Bolivia's State of Emergency: Changing the Rules

In response to escalating protests, Bolivia's President Rodrigo Paz has revoked a law limiting emergency declarations, simplifying the process. Both ruling and opposition lawmakers supported this repeal. Protests, sparked by Morales supporters, have led to significant shortages in food, fuel, and medicine in major cities.

In a move addressing Bolivia's escalating protests, President Rodrigo Paz has amended the legal framework by revoking a law that restricted the declaration of a state of emergency, as reported in the official Gazette on Wednesday.

The decision, which streamlines how swiftly the government can enact emergency measures, is backed by both ruling and opposition lawmakers. The revision means that any proposal for a state of emergency must now be submitted to Congress for approval within a 72-hour window.

The political unrest has gripped Bolivia for over a month, as demonstrations and roadblocks are organized by supporters of former President Evo Morales, demanding Paz's resignation. This turmoil has resulted in severe shortages of food, fuel, and medical supplies in key cities such as La Paz and El Alto.