Bolivians in La Paz demand action as road blockades enter 40th day

Footage from Plaza San Francisco showed demonstrators waving Bolivian flags while speakers called for tougher measures to restore transport links, including the declaration of a state of emergency.

Ayrton Condorhuayra, president of the National Multisectoral Committee of Bolivia, urged President Rodrigo Paz to use emergency powers to address the crisis.

“To the president, I say: Rodrigo, you have the people's approval. Declare a state of emergency,” Condorhuayra told the crowd.

He also called for the resignation of Vice President Edman Lara and demanded the arrest of former president Evo Morales, accusing him of being behind the protests and road blockades that have disrupted transport and supply chains across the country.

Participants at the rally said the blockades were causing shortages of food, medicine, oxygen and other essential goods.

“As a citizen of La Paz, we are not willing to continue with these critical days,” said Eva Oporto. “We cannot continue with this lack of food, health supplies and oxygen.”

Another resident appealed to authorities to act, citing growing hardship among families and concerns over access to healthcare.

The demonstration came a day after President Paz signed legislation regulating states of emergency, granting authorities powers that include deploying the military to clear blocked transport routes.

Bolivia has faced weeks of protests and road blockades that have disrupted the movement of goods and fuel in several regions. Despite mounting pressure, Paz has reaffirmed his intention to remain in office until the end of his term in 2030.