Why Bolivia Declared a State of Emergency: The 50-Day Crisis Explained

The 50-Day Protest Crisis

• Road blockades — Protesters set up hundreds of blockades across Bolivia, peaking at around 110, isolating La Paz and other cities by cutting off fuel, food, medicine, and oxygen supplies .
• Economic paralysis — Blockades choked supply chains into major urban centers, leaving residents unable to access basic necessities .
• The failed COB deal — On Friday, June 19, Paz signed an agreement with the COB labor union in what appeared to be a breakthrough . However, the COB then rejected the deal, expanded blockades, and continued demanding Paz's resignation — leading directly to the state of emergency declaration the next day .
• Hardline factions persist — Even after talks, COB and allied groups like peasant unions and El Alto neighborhood councils refused to attend further dialogue and insisted on keeping roads closed .

Death Toll and Humanitarian Crisis

• At least 10 killed — As of June 9, ten people had been confirmed dead and 365 arrested . By June 17, some reports put the toll at at least 16 dead, including people who died because blockades prevented them from reaching hospitals .
• U.S. emergency aid — On June 4, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with President Paz and said the Trump administration was ramping up emergency assistance to address food and healthcare shortages .

Protesters' Demands

The core demands of the COB-led movement include: resignation of President Rodrigo Paz, reinstatement of fuel subsidies, repeal of Law 1720 (land collateral law), labor reforms, and higher wages .