President Rodrigo Paz decreed a state of exception across the entire national territory of Bolivia on Saturday, June 20, 2026 [1, 3].
The move signals a significant escalation in the government's response to civil unrest. By suspending certain constitutional guarantees, the administration seeks to regain control over critical infrastructure and public order after weeks of instability.
The decree was issued a few hours [4] after the government signed an agreement with the country's main trade union [4]. This agreement was intended to resolve the grievances driving the unrest, but the government moved to emergency powers when some sectors continued to reject the deal [4].
Bolivia has faced more than six weeks of continuous contestation [2], characterized by widespread protests, and road blockades. These blockades have paralyzed parts of the country, disrupting the movement of goods and people across the national territory [3].
The state of exception applies to the entire national territory [3], giving the government expanded authority to manage the crisis. The decision follows a period of intense negotiation and intermittent violence between protesters and security forces.
Officials have not specified the exact duration of the emergency measure. However, the timing suggests that the administration believes a diplomatic resolution with the trade unions is insufficient to end the blockades and restore normal activity throughout the country.
“President Rodrigo Paz decreed a state of exception across the entire national territory of Bolivia”
The rapid transition from signing a trade union agreement to declaring a state of emergency suggests a breakdown in trust between the state and social movements. By implementing a nationwide state of exception, the Paz administration is prioritizing the restoration of logistical flow and order over a negotiated political settlement, potentially risking further polarization if the rejected sectors escalate their protests.
