Bolivia Clears the Way to Use the Army Against Protesters

BOLIVIA · POLITICS

Bolivia’s army could soon be turned on protesters after Congress cleared President Rodrigo Paz to declare a state of emergency, a sharp escalation in a crisis that has paralyzed the country for nearly a month.

How Bolivia’s Army Got the Green Light

Bolivia’s Chamber of Deputies on Tuesday voted, by more than two-thirds, to abolish a 2020 law that limited when the armed forces could be used to control internal unrest. The Senate had already approved the change on May 24. The measure now goes to President Rodrigo Paz to sign.

The repealed law allowed the military to step in only when police had been overwhelmed and no other means remained. Removing it widens the government’s room to deploy soldiers and to declare a state of exception that can restrict some freedoms. Lawmakers held the session online because protests had cut off the capital.

Supporters said the old rule shielded violent groups and tied the government’s hands. Opponents warned that easing limits on the army risks more bloodshed. The change does not by itself trigger a state of exception, which the government calls a last resort if dialogue fails.

What Set Off the Crisis

The unrest began in early May over a land law that critics said could expose communal territory to debt and speculation. Paz revoked it in mid-May, but the protests had already widened. Unions, miners, teachers and farmers joined, and many now demand his resignation.

Behind the anger is an economic shock. A December decision to scrap fuel subsidies roughly doubled pump prices, and inflation is running near the high teens. At least four people have died, dozens have been detained, and the government accuses allies of former president Evo Morales of fueling the violence.

The Economic Stakes

For investors, the crisis has a price. Road blockades have left dozens of routes cut across most of the country, choking supplies of fuel, food and medical oxygen, especially in La Paz. Cargo bound for ports in Chile and Peru has been stranded for weeks.

Markets have taken note. Bolivia’s country-risk gauge has spiked to the second-highest in Latin America, behind only Venezuela. The country was already short of dollars and foreign reserves before the latest turmoil.

What Could Happen Next

The next move is Paz’s. With the law cleared, he can declare a state of exception and send in the army, but the government says it prefers talks. How far it goes will shape whether the standoff cools or escalates.

Rights groups have already accused security forces of heavy-handed tactics during earlier clearance operations. Any wider military role would test that further. For now, the blockades, and the shortages they cause, remain the most immediate threat to daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly did Congress approve?

It abolished a 2020 law that restricted military intervention in internal conflicts. That clears the way for President Paz to declare a state of exception and use the armed forces.

Has the army been deployed?

Not under this measure. The government says a state of exception is a last option if dialogue fails. Soldiers have, however, already helped clear some road blockades.

Why are people protesting?

The trigger was a land law, since revoked, but anger runs deeper over a fuel-subsidy cut, high inflation and shortages. Many protesters now want President Paz to step down.

How is the economy affected?

Blockades have disrupted fuel, food and exports, and Bolivia’s country risk has climbed to the region’s second-highest. The country also faces a shortage of dollars.

Who is Rodrigo Paz?

He won Bolivia’s 2025 election, ending two decades of rule by the Movement for Socialism. He has been in office about six months and now faces the biggest crisis of his term.

Connected Coverage

For more on the region’s political risk, see The Rio Times on Colombia’s tightening presidential race and on Chile’s weaker growth outlook.