After weeks of anti-government protests, Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz on Saturday declared a state of emergency, ordering security agencies to clear the blockade caused by protesters.

In a broadcast on Saturday, Mr Paz said the state of emergency declared was in response to the road blockade caused by protesters.

“I have arranged for the implementation of the State of Exception to free the country’s roads,” Mr Paz said. 

He added, “Bolivians cannot continue to be hostages of blockades that prevent working, studying, receiving medical attention, supplying themselves, and bringing sustenance to their homes.”

The president said the state of emergency was to restore order after exhausting every dialogue options and protesters were not leaving the streets.

“After exhausting all dialogue, after reaching agreements with those who had legitimate demands, and clearly identifying those who used violence to try and destabilise Bolivia, we have made the decision to enact a state of exception across all national territory,” Mr Paz said.

Weeks of nationwide protests sparked by rising living costs have seen commercial and public activities paralysed.

The protesters ranging from workers, farmers and supporters of former President Evo Morales, are now demanding resignation of Mr Paz. 

Mr Paz signed a law permitting military to intervene in the country’s internal conflicts amid the protests that broke out in May.