Bolivia’s president declares state of emergency over blockade crisis | CNN

Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz declared a state of emergency Saturday, after weeks of anti-government protests over rising living costs and economic pressure that have since grown into an escalating political crisis. Protests, backed by workers unions, farmers and supporters of former President Evo Morales, are demanding Paz resign. Road blockades have caused shortages of food, fuel and medical supplies in parts of the country and ground the economy to a halt over the past 50 days, with at least 14 killed between May 1 and June 15, according to Bolivia’s ombudsman’s office. “I have arranged for the implementation of the State of Exception to free the country’s roads,” Paz said in an address to the nation. “Bolivians cannot continue to be hostages of blockades that prevent working, studying, receiving medical attention, supplying themselves, and bringing sustenance to their homes.” The president said the move clears the way for the military and police to restore order. Paz said the state of emergency seeks to “restore” normalcy to Bolivia, where he said “organized groups continue to use violence to paralyze the country.” Last month, Paz signed a law allowing