Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz declared a state of emergency on Saturday following six weeks of nationwide protests and road blockades. The declaration grants the president expanded constitutional powers, including the authority to deploy armed forces to clear the blockades. The move comes as demonstrations continue to disrupt the country. Details regarding the specific causes of the protests were not immediately available. The state of emergency is intended to restore order and facilitate dialogue, according to government officials. This action signifies an escalation in the government’s response to the ongoing unrest and raises concerns about potential clashes between protesters and security forces. The duration of the state of emergency has not been specified.