The president of Bolivia, Rodrigo Paz, announced this Saturday the declaration of a state of exception throughout the national territory, an extraordinary measure with which he seeks "not to continue being hostages" of the deep crisis generated by the road blockades and mobilizations that have been ongoing for 50 days.
"I have ordered the application of the State of Exception to clear the country's roads. Bolivians cannot continue to be hostages of blockades that prevent them from working, studying, receiving medical attention, stocking up, and bringing sustenance to their homes," the president reported in a publication on his social networks.
The head of state emphasized that, with this decision, the intention is not "to take away normality, but to return it," underlining that Bolivia "needs to recover its roads, guarantee supplies, and return to normality."
"The Government's doors will remain open to those who wish to dialogue in good faith," he clarified.
The announcement of the state of exception comes a few hours after the Executive reached an understanding with the Workers' Central to put an end to the protests and pressure actions promoted by the union throughout the country, which opens a path towards the pacification of the territory.
Even though the 'cobistas' were "from this moment on lifting the pressure measures at the national level," the Government considers this step still insufficient, as an agreement is still pending with the peasant organizations aligned with former president Evo Morales, who maintain the road blockades and continue to demand the resignation of President Paz.