Bolivian congress votes to extend state of emergency for 90 days

President Rodrigo Paz came to power last year during the country’s worst economic crisis in four decades, marked by acute shortages of fuel and U.S. dollars.(AFP) — Bolivia’s Congress voted Thursday to extend by 90 days a state of emergency declared by President Rodrigo Paz, with officials citing the threat of renewed anti-government unrest.The U.S.-backed conservative decreed a state of emergency in June after widespread protests paralyzed the Andean nation, which was in the throes of its worst economic crisis in 40 years.Authorities have used their emergency powers to deploy the military, clear roadblocks and restrict certain civil liberties, including the right to demonstrate.Interior Minister Marco Antonio Oviedo said the state of emergency, which was set to expire Friday, should be extended for another 90 days because of a complicated political and social outlook.“The aim of the measure is to sustain development, movement and the normalization of the economy and to guarantee free circulation,” Oviedo said.There were “threats of renewed and coordinated blockades, marches and strikes, and early warnings with calls, mass meetings, ultimatums and the deployment of social contingents” in the coming days, his office said in a statement.Bolivia’s Congress approved the extension in a public session.“Given the existence of an absolute majority, the extension of the state of emergency for a period of 90 days is hereby approved,” Vice President Edmand Lara said after the vote.Paz came to power last year during the country’s worst economic crisis in four decades, marked by acute shortages of fuel and U.S. dollars.One of his first moves was to eliminate fuel subsidies implemented by the outgoing socialist government that had depleted Bolivia’s currency reserves.But lines for fuel at gas stations still stretch for several kilometers (miles) in some places.This month, hundreds of coca farmers and supporters of former President Evo Morales protested in the central city of Cochabamba over the government’s doubling of diesel prices.The Bolivian government has committed to eliminating all fuel subsidies beginning in January under an agreement with the International Monetary Fund for a $1.9 billion bailout.Subscribe to our free newslettersOur weekly newsletter Closing Arguments offers the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world, while the monthly Under the Lights dishes the legal dirt from Hollywood, sports, Big Tech and the arts.Additional Reads