Bolivia has experienced a tumultuous political history, marked by numerous coups d'état and political crises. Since 1946, there have been 38 coups, including 17 successful ones, 17 attempts, and 4 foiled plots. This history of political instability has continued into recent times, with the latest coup attempt occurring on Wednesday, bringing the total to 39.
The latest incident involved General Juan Zuniga, who led a failed coup attempt against President Luis Arce. The event unfolded in the vicinity of the presidential palace in La Paz, where tanks and heavily armed soldiers were seen advancing towards the palace. President Arce and former President Evo Morales both warned of suspicious military movements and called for the protection of democracy.
Despite the dramatic scenes, the coup attempt lacked the typical brutality associated with military coups. President Arce confronted General Zuniga directly, ordering him to withdraw his forces. The situation was defused when Arce announced the appointment of new officials in the military, and General Zuniga was arrested.
General Zuniga accused President Arce of orchestrating the coup attempt to boost his popularity ahead of the 2025 presidential elections. However, this claim was met with skepticism by some, who viewed it as naive and unlikely. The general's hostility towards former President Evo Morales, a key figure in Bolivian politics, further complicated the situation.
The political landscape in Bolivia remains highly polarized, with ongoing tensions between Arce and Morales, who was once his ally. This rivalry has split their party, MAS, and created uncertainty about the upcoming elections. Despite their differences, Arce's positions on international issues, such as his stance against Israel's actions in Gaza, remain consistent with Morales's policies.
There are suspicions of external influence, particularly from the United States and Israel, in Bolivia's political turmoil. The 2019 coup, which saw interim president Jeanine Anez restore relations with Israel, is cited as evidence of this. Additionally, Bolivia's significant lithium reserves, which are crucial for battery manufacturing, have attracted international interest, further complicating the political dynamics.
- The involvement of the Armed Forces in Bolivia's politics has been a persistent issue, undermining the strengthening of democratic institutions. This pattern, inherited from military regimes of the late 20th century, has been overcome in other Latin American countries but continues to plague Bolivia.
- The rivalry between President Arce and former President Morales has led to a split within their party, MAS, and has created a dilemma for the upcoming 2025 elections. Despite their differences, both leaders share a common stance on key international issues, such as their opposition to Israel's actions in Gaza.
- There are concerns about external influence in Bolivia's political affairs, particularly from the United States and Israel. The country's significant lithium reserves have drawn international interest, adding another layer of complexity to its political landscape. The recent victory of President Javier Milli in Argentina and the potential return of U.S. allies to power in Chile highlight the broader geopolitical context in which Bolivia's political struggles are taking place.
