Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz has taken a step toward the possible imposition of a state of emergency amid large-scale anti-government protests and blockades in the country. This was reported by Reuters, according to UNN.
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On Wednesday, Bolivia's official gazette published a decision to repeal a law that restricted the government's use of emergency decrees. If a state of emergency is declared, the authorities will be able to deploy the military to the streets to suppress protests, though this still requires congressional approval.
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Protests have been ongoing for nearly a month. They were organized by trade unions and supporters of former President Evo Morales, who are demanding the reversal of austerity measures and an end to the rising cost of living. Blockades in La Paz and El Alto have caused shortages of fuel, food, and medicine.
Paz stated that he hopes to resolve the situation through negotiations but does not rule out tougher actions.
"I have constitutional tools. Time is running out. I must react, I must offer solutions,"
Meanwhile, the opposition warns that deploying troops could only escalate the crisis. MP Sonia Saignani stated during a congressional debate: "We are adding fuel to the fire."
Rodrigo Paz became President of Bolivia in November, ending nearly 20 years of rule by the leftist MAS movement founded by Evo Morales.