Bolivia’s crisis intensified on Saturday as President Rodrigo ​Paz declared a state of emergency, enabling ‌wider military deployment to clear blockades and restore order after protests brought the economy to a halt over the ​past 50 days.

The move came in a ​live message to the nation just hours ⁠after Paz unveiled a deal struck on Friday ​with the main union, the Bolivian Workers’ Confederation, (COB), that ​aimed to ease tension.

The conflict initially erupted after Paz abruptly cut long-standing fuel subsidies to shrink the deficit, amid ​a worsening dollar crunch and talks with the ​International Monetary Fund.

Despite later steps to stabilise fuel prices and ‌reverse ⁠unpopular land reforms, protests intensified into broader discontent, with unions demanding wage increases, an end to fuel and dollar shortages, and Paz’s resignation.

Protesting groups, many ​allied to ​former leftist ⁠President Evo Morales, have cut off key roads, stranding trucks and choking supplies ​of food, fuel and medicines to ​many ⁠areas, including La Paz.

The emergency declaration gives Paz broader constitutional tools to restore order, such as sending ⁠armed ​forces to clear blockades.