Bolivia’s legislature has approved a law granting President Rodrigo Paz authority to deploy the military to clear roadblocks set up during weeks of antigovernment protests, escalating the government’s response to unrest over inflation, wages and the removal of fuel subsidies.
The measure was passed by the Chamber of Deputies on Sunday after an overnight debate, following earlier approval by the Senate. It is expected to be signed into law by Paz, a centre-right leader who took office last year. “This law is hereby passed,” Chamber President Roberto Castro announced after the vote.
The new law allows soldiers to use force in operations to dismantle blockades and grants them a “presumption of legality” in conflict situations, meaning their actions would be considered lawful unless proven otherwise. The move follows a legislative vote last month to repeal a 2020 law that restricted the use of the military in protest crackdowns.
The government says nearly 100 roadblocks have disrupted transport routes across the country, causing shortages of food, fuel and medicine. The demonstrations have been led by farmers, miners, transport unions and other groups opposing Paz’s austerity measures and demanding his resignation.
Until now, the military had largely played a support role alongside anti-riot police. On Saturday, dozens of riot police backed by military vehicles fired tear gas while attempting to clear a road in San Julian. Protesters responded by throwing stones and burning tyres in an effort to block the advance, according to reports from the scene.
The unrest has grown into one of the biggest challenges facing Paz’s administration, which came to power after nearly two decades of leftist rule. His government has defended its economic reforms as necessary to stabilise Bolivia’s finances, but critics say the measures have deepened hardship in a country already struggling with rising prices and shortages.
The crisis has also drawn international attention. The United States recently said it was increasing emergency assistance to Bolivia to help address shortages of food and medical supplies. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio conveyed support for Paz’s government in a call with the Bolivian president, according to the State Department.
Human rights groups and opposition lawmakers are likely to scrutinise the new law closely, particularly provisions that expand military powers during civilian unrest. Critics warn that deploying troops against protesters could inflame tensions further, while the government argues it must restore movement and protect essential supplies.
The passage of the law marks a significant hardening of Bolivia’s security response as negotiations with protest groups remain stalled.
