Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued spot information concerning the escalation of protest activities in Bolivia and the possibility that a state of emergency may be declared.
Since the inauguration of the Arce administration in November 2025, various labor unions have continued protest activities due to the prolonged economic downturn and dissatisfaction with a range of policies. In particular, in the city of La Paz and the adjacent city of El Alto, starting from May Day on May 1, various groups such as the teachers’ federation, farmers’ federation, miners’ unions, the Bolivian Workers’ Center (COB), and groups supporting former President Evo Morales have been carrying out protest marches and large-scale road blockades, destabilizing the situation.
According to announcements by the authorities, on May 18 the number of demonstrators reached approximately 15,000, and clashes with security forces broke out in the city center. The number of blocked sections on trunk roads connecting major cities has reached a record-high level, and the suspension of express bus services has created situations in which people cannot travel from regional cities.
Amid these circumstances, a bill invalidating the “Regulation Law on the National State of Exception (a law limiting presidential powers),” which was enacted following the turmoil surrounding the 2019 presidential election, has been passed by parliament. As a result, the legal conditions for a presidential declaration of a state of emergency (imposition of martial law) have been eased, increasing the likelihood that such a declaration will be issued in the future. If a state of emergency is declared, there is a possibility that demonstrators, who have been relatively peaceful until now, will react strongly and behave differently than before. There is also concern that security authorities will strengthen checkpoints and that a nighttime curfew may be imposed.
Many international flights operating to and from El Alto International Airport in La Paz are scheduled for late-night to early-morning hours. Therefore, if a nighttime curfew is imposed, it is feared that travelers’ movements will be greatly affected.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is urging those considering travel to Bolivia to check airline websites and the latest local news in advance. For those already staying in the country, it strongly advises never to approach sites of demonstrations or protest activities, where show-of-force actions using small pieces of dynamite are sometimes carried out. In addition, people are encouraged to make careful plans with sufficient leeway in their schedules and to wait in safe locations as appropriate to the situation.
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This article was generated using automatic translation by GPT-4 API. The translation may not be accurate.
