Bolovian president declares state of emergency

The move comes after weeks of anti-government protests that have caused a shortage of basic goods in Bolivia.

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The move would give Paz broader powers to clear road blocks by demonstrators, which have caused serious shortages of basic goods and paralysed large parts of the nation.

In a statement, the president said the state of emergency would "free the country's roads" and "restore" normalcy.

Under law, Bolivia's Congress must approve or reject the measure within 72 hours of the declaration.

The blockades, led by miners, farmers and indigenous groups, are part of protests which started at the end of April.