Bolivia faced escalating turmoil on Saturday when President Rodrigo Paz imposed a state of emergency. The measure allows wider use of military forces to remove roadblocks and restore stability following more than 50 days of protests that have stalled the national economy.

The decree expands Paz constitutional powers to deploy troops for clearing blockades. It takes effect at once, yet the president must inform Congress within 24 hours, after which lawmakers have 72 hours to accept or reject the order.

Groups linked to former president Evo Morales have blocked major routes, trapping vehicles and cutting supplies of food, fuel, and medicine to regions including La Paz.

The unrest began when Paz ended long standing fuel subsidies to reduce the budget gap during a dollar shortage and negotiations with the International Monetary Fund.

Although later efforts restored fuel prices and halted unpopular land changes, demonstrations grew into wider demands for wage rises, relief from shortages, and Paz resignation.

The emergency order was announced in a live broadcast shortly after Paz presented a Friday accord with the main union, the Bolivian Workers Confederation, intended to calm the situation.

Nevertheless, rural groups tied to Morales that control key roads in the Cochabamba region stayed outside the talks and continue their actions.

'A state of emergency to give freedom back to the people'

Paz described the crisis as an organized effort to undermine democracy after weeks of violence and roadblocks. He said the measure seeks to reestablish order, safeguard citizens, and guarantee supplies of vital goods, while cautioning that continued disruptions would bring legal action.

"This is not a state of emergency to restrict people's lives. It is a state of emergency to give freedom back to the people, to free Bolivia from those who use political conflict to block roads and harm the population," Paz said.