Bolivian Congress Authorizes Military Use to Clear Roadblocks Amid Economic Crisis

The Bolivian Congress has passed a law allowing President Rodrigo Paz to deploy the military to clear road blockades that have paralyzed the country for over a month amid a severe economic crisis.

Key points

• The legislation, approved with 86 votes, allows military intervention when the police force is deemed insufficient to maintain order.
• The law establishes procedures for states of exception, including a maximum duration of 90 days and provisions for temporary eight-hour arrests.
• The state is required to provide legal support to security forces, excluding cases involving human rights violations like torture or extrajudicial killings.
• Protesters, including indigenous groups, miners, and farmers, are demanding the resignation of President Rodrigo Paz.

Why it matters

The authorization of military force marks a significant escalation in the government's response to prolonged civil unrest and economic instability in Bolivia.