Bolivia Protests: President Warns 'Narcoterrorists' Their Days Are Numbered as State Of Emergency Looms

Bolivia's embattled president signalled on Monday that his patience is waning with nationwide protests that have paralysed large parts of the country and indicated he is moving closer to declaring a state of emergency that would permit military intervention.

What Happened

For weeks demonstrators have marched and erected roadblocks, bringing much of Bolivia to a near standstill. The disruptions have pushed up food and fuel prices and created shortages of basic goods, increasing public anxiety and economic strain.

Clashes and Casualties

Riot police used tear gas in attempts to clear the blockades, but units have reportedly had to withdraw after coming under gunfire that wounded several officers. Protesters threw stones and burned tyres; the ombudsman’s office says at least 14 civilians were injured.

Political Response

Escalating his rhetoric, President Rodrigo Paz accused "narcoterrorists" of fuelling the unrest and warned that their "days are numbered." He backed the passage of a law to pave the way for a state of emergency, which would authorize deployment of the military to suppress the movement and dismantle blockades.

"Our security is put at risk when narco-terrorism, and the priorities of certain actors, are not aligned with our democracy, our constitution," Paz said. "They put their own interests above those of Bolivian society."

Paz has suggested that former president Evo Morales and coca-growing supporters are helping to drive protests intended to destabilize his administration, Bolivia’s first conservative government in two decades. Morales is reported to be in hiding amid allegations related to a relationship with a minor; authorities say he has fomented unrest, allegations he contests.

International Dimension

On Friday, the newly announced Shield of the Americas alliance — described as an anti-cartel coalition that includes pro-US administrations in Argentina, Bolivia and Chile among others — publicly offered unequivocal backing to Paz.

Outlook

Pro-business President Paz, who took office in November, pledged to confront what he has called the country's worst economic crisis in decades. However, unpopular economic reforms and perceived failures to address social demands have stoked widespread anger and political polarization, leaving the country at a volatile crossroads.