Bolivia Lower House Approves Emergency Bill as 36-Day Protests Choke Transport
Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · Jun 7
Bolivia Lower House Approves Emergency Bill as 36-Day Protests Choke Transport
3 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · Jun 7
Summary
Bolivia’s lower house approved a bill that would make it easier to declare a state of emergency, sending the measure to the executive for final signoff after Senate approval on Thursday.
The move responds to protests and road blockades demanding President Rodrigo Paz’s resignation, which have disrupted transport routes, worsened shortages and added pressure on the economy.
The bill would loosen limits created under earlier laws passed by a left-wing majority that had constrained the state’s response to recurring demonstrations.
The push follows Paz’s broader effort to expand state powers after 36 days of unrest and more than 90 blockades, with officials arguing tougher tools are needed to move food, fuel and medical supplies.
As Bolivia descends into chaos, who will ultimately control its massive lithium wealth?
Will President Paz's plan to deploy the military solve Bolivia's crisis or ignite a civil conflict?
Bolivia in Crisis: Protests, Military Powers, and the Global Stakes of Lithium in 2026
Overview
As of June 7, 2026, Bolivia faces a deepening crisis driven by widespread anti-government protests led by labor unions and groups loyal to former President Evo Morales. Demonstrators are demanding that President Rodrigo Paz reverse austerity measures and address the rising cost of living. These protests have resulted in extensive road blockades across western Bolivia, severely disrupting transportation and economic activity, and causing critical shortages of food, medicines, and fuel in La Paz. President Paz’s government, already facing intense public anger, has implemented pay cuts as a sign of commitment, but these actions have only fueled further discontent and unrest.