Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz declared a nationwide state of emergency on Saturday following weeks of anti-government protests that have paralyzed the country. The government deployed the army and bulldozers to remove roadblocks set up by demonstrators, which had severely disrupted daily life and transportation across major cities, according to AFP.

For more than six weeks, labor unions, indigenous groups, and coca growers have staged protests, blocking roads with stones, logs, and other obstacles. These blockades have caused acute shortages of fuel, food, and medicine, inflicting billions of dollars in economic losses and posing a threat to the country’s first non-socialist government in two decades.

In a televised address early Saturday, President Paz warned that legal action would be taken against protesters and announced the 90-day emergency, restricting the right to assemble and authorizing domestic military deployment. Hours later, AFP journalists reported army and armed police convoys in El Alto, where residents were seen welcoming the security forces as they began clearing the blockades.

At least nine people were killed and 22 others injured when a bus overturned in western Bolivia early Wednesday. The accident occurred near the small town of Chalacollo, about 240 kilometers south of La Paz, on a highway close to Oruro. Local police confirmed the casualties, noting that the injured were taken to various hospitals in the area. Among the dead was a newborn who was declared dead after being taken to a medical center.

Authorities said the cause of the crash remains under investigation but suggested that excessive speed and driver inattention may have contributed. The 24-year-old driver was also injured in the incident.

According to official data, Bolivia records at least 1,400 road fatalities each year, with most accidents attributed to driver negligence and mechanical failures.

An extraordinary football incident unfolded in Bolivia during the Copa Bolivia quarterfinal between Blooming and Real Oruro, where a total of 17 red cards were issued. The match ended 2–2, allowing Blooming to advance to the semifinals on aggregate. However, post-match celebrations turned violent as players and coaching staff from both sides clashed. Reports from Bolivian outlet El Potosí described punches being thrown and chaos erupting after Real Oruro’s Sebastián Zeballos and Julio Villao became involved in a brawl. Oruro coach Marcelo Robledo was reportedly injured and taken to hospital after being knocked down. Police intervened using tear gas to control the situation. Official reports confirmed that Blooming had seven players sent off, Real Oruro four, and both teams’ coaches and assistants were also dismissed. Six Blooming players have been banned for the remainder of the tournament due to violent conduct.

Bolivia is set for a historic presidential runoff, ending nearly two decades of left-wing dominance by the Movement for Socialism (MAS). Center-right Senator Rodrigo Paz Pereira leads with 32.1% of votes, followed by former President Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga at 26.9%. MAS’s candidate Eduardo del Castillo received just 3.15%, but the party retains registration. Businessman Samuel Doria Medina, finishing third, has pledged support for Paz Pereira. The final contest will now determine Bolivia’s next president between two right-wing contenders.

Bolivia is facing intense protests demanding the resignation of its president amid worsening economic conditions. Violence between protesters and security forces has resulted in the deaths of two police officers. The unrest began after former President Evo Morales was declared ineligible to run in the election, sparking mass demonstrations by his supporters. On June 11, Morales’s supporters blocked key roads between La Paz and Cochabamba, escalating tensions. Earlier clashes also left several injured, highlighting the country’s deep political crisis.

A passenger bus in Bolivia plunged 800 meters down a mountainous road, killing 31 people. Reuters reported that the accident occurred when the driver lost control. At least 12-14 people, including four children, were injured, with several in critical condition. Authorities suspect that high speed may have been a factor.