Bolivia declares state of emergency to clear protest blockades

Bolivia declared a state of emergency on June 12, 2024, to clear protest blockades that have disrupted the nation's economy. The decree grants President Luis Arce's government extraordinary powers to use force to remove the barricades, which have been in place for over two weeks. The blockades, primarily led by the Confederation of Indigenous Peoples of Bolivia (CIDOB) and the United Federation of Bolivian Peasants (CSUTCB), are protesting the government's economic policies and demanding the passage of a controversial fiscal law. The protests have significantly impacted the transportation of goods and services, leading to shortages of food and fuel in several regions. According to the Bolivian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (CAINCO), the blockades have caused an estimated daily loss of $10 million to $15 million.