Bolivia declares state of emergency after weeks of protests; president says he has exhausted dialogue

On June 20, Bolivian President Rodrigo Pass announced a nationwide state of emergency after more than six weeks of protests demanding his resignation. In a televised address, Pass said he had exhausted all possibilities for dialogue. He noted that agreements had been reached with those whose demands were justified, and that those who used violence to destabilize Bolivia had been identified.

The decision came hours after Pass signed an agreement with the country's main trade union federation, the Bolivian Workers' Central Organization (COB), ending protests triggered by Pass's economic plans. However, not all sectors were satisfied, and some unions continued to protest.

The COB launched its protest movement in early May to reject Pass's proposals for overcoming the worst economic crisis in Bolivia in 40 years. Pass, a pro-business conservative politician, took office just over seven months ago after elections that ended two decades of left-wing rule. He quickly restored relations with the United States and introduced ambitious economic reforms, including cutting fuel subsidies. This sparked widespread protests demanding wage increases, stable fuel supplies, and measures to ease the crisis.

The protests have turned into riots, with calls for Pass to step down six months after taking office. Demonstrators have blocked roads leading to the capital, La Paz, where many shops have closed due to fear of violence. Food, medicine, and fuel supplies are running low.