Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz declared a state of emergency Saturday, after weeks of mass anti-government protests over rising living costs and economic pressure that have since grown into an escalating political crisis . Protests, backed by workers unions and farmers, are demanding Paz resign. Road blockades have caused shortages of food, fuel and medical supplies in parts of the country and ground the country’s economy to a halt over the past 50 days, according to Reuters.

Protests, backed by workers unions and farmers, are demanding Paz resign. Road blockades have caused shortages of food, fuel and medical supplies in parts of the country and ground the country’s economy to a halt over the past 50 days, according to Reuters.

“I have arranged for the implementation of the State of Exception to free the country’s roads,” Paz said in an address to the nation. “Bolivians cannot continue to be hostages of blockades that prevent working, studying, receiving medical attention, supplying themselves, and bringing sustenance to their homes.”

The move clears the way for military deployment to restore order nationwide.

Paz said the state of emergency seeks to “restore” normalcy to Bolivia.

This is a developing story and will be updated.