**Bolivian Authorities Report No Active Blockades Following State of Emergency Declaration**
**La Paz, Bolivia** – Bolivian authorities announced on Sunday that there were no active road blockades across the country, a day after President Rodrigo Paz declared a state of emergency in response to escalating protests. This declaration came after weeks of demonstrations against austerity measures, particularly cuts to fuel subsidies.
The state of emergency, approved by Bolivia's Legislative Assembly early Sunday morning, includes provisions that prohibit the blocking of streets, avenues, roads, and highways, which has significantly affected transportation and supply chains. The decree also authorizes the military to assist police in restoring order, reopening roads, and ensuring the safety of the population.
The announcement of no active blockades coincided with some positive developments in negotiations between protest leaders and government officials. In Santa Cruz, an agreement was reached to lift a critical blockade in the town of San Julian, which had been a focal point of the protests. Additionally, a federation representing rural and Indigenous groups declared a temporary pause in protests in La Paz, although they emphasized that their demands had not been abandoned.
The protests, which have persisted for five weeks, have caused significant disruptions, stranding trucks and leading to shortages of essential supplies, including food, fuel, and medicines. According to Bolivia’s ombudsman’s office and various human rights organizations, at least 17 individuals have died during this period, with many fatalities linked to disruptions in medical care caused by the blockades. Authorities have reported 365 arrests and 37 injuries resulting from violent confrontations between demonstrators and riot police.
While the national highway authority confirmed that there were no active protest blockades on Sunday, they cautioned that many roads still required extensive clean-up and repair work. The presence of police and military forces remained evident throughout the country as authorities continued to monitor the situation.
Despite the apparent easing of tensions, rights observers have expressed concerns about the potential for further unrest if the government’s response does not adequately address the underlying issues driving the protests. The situation remains fluid, and the government’s approach in the coming days will be critical in determining whether peace can be restored in the country.
As Bolivia navigates this challenging period, the balance between maintaining order and addressing the grievances of its citizens will be crucial for the stability of the nation.