Name? Rodrigo Paz Pereira
Westphalian identity? Bolivian
Age? 58
Why is he in the news? On June 20th, 2026, Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz declared a national state of emergency. This came after months of violent protests and blockades on key highway infrastructure connecting the largest cities in the country. Once confirmed by the Senate, the state of emergency will give Paz the power to deploy the military domestically and ban public protest.
Why do we care? Despite Paz meeting with a labour union leader in hopes of reaching a deal that would subdue the unrest, the protests have continued. This echoes other similar protests in Latin America over the past few months, including in Argentina and Chile. As a rightward political swing affects many states in the region, labour unions and rural communities are mobilising, demonstrating that Paz’s policies will not be implemented without backlash.
Why should you care? So far, 17 people have died in connection with the protests, including several protesters and police officers during clashes. Multiple deaths have also been recorded due to supplies and ambulances being stopped in the blockades. Historically, states of emergencies in Bolivia have led to even more fatalities, raising concerns about whether Paz will be able to quell the unrest peacefully.
Who else cares? United States of America’s Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth warns of a potential “coup d’état” and pledges to support centre-right leader Paz in the face of protests. Paz has been a Trump ally in Latin America since his election in October, so his political survival is important for US interests on the continent. Hegseth also has not ruled out direct intervention if the unrest continues, consistent with the current US administration’s foreign policy approach in the region.
Any further comments? Former Bolivian President Evo Morales has publicly supported the protests, but denied Paz’s accusations of provoking violence against the state.
