Bolivian President Luis Arce Faces Coup Attempt
Military Mobilization and Allegations
On the 26th, Bolivian General Zuniga, identified as the instigator of a coup attempt, claimed he received orders to mobilize armored vehicles from President Luis Arce. General Zuniga was arrested and stated that President Arce wanted to increase his popularity amid a chaotic situation. The authenticity of General Zuniga's statement remains unconfirmed, but reports indicate that armed soldiers and armored vehicles gathered around Plaza Murillo near the Presidential Palace in La Paz.
Political Tensions and Leadership Changes
President Arce, facing opposition from former President Evo Morales, ordered the withdrawal of troops and swiftly replaced military leadership, including the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Bolivian military withdrew its troops after facing both domestic and international condemnation. Political tensions are rising ahead of next year's presidential election, with Morales accusing the Arce government of blocking his candidacy as part of a right-wing scheme.
International Reactions
The international community has responded to the coup attempt with calls for calm and respect for democracy. The United States is closely monitoring the situation, while the Brazilian President condemned any form of coup. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell emphasized the importance of upholding democratic principles. The President of Cuba expressed solidarity with the Bolivian government and people.
- Bolivian President Luis Arce called for the Bolivian people to organize themselves and mobilize against the coup attempt, emphasizing the importance of democracy. In a televised message, Arce stood among his ministers and declared, 'We cannot allow coup attempts to claim the lives of Bolivians again.'
- Former President Evo Morales warned of a potential military coup and accused a senior general of planning the coup. Morales, who served as president from 2006 to 2019, is now a major political opponent of Arce. General Zuniga, who allegedly made hostile statements against Morales, was rumored to be dismissed from his position.
- Internationally, the situation in Bolivia has garnered significant attention. The White House urged calm and restraint, while the Brazilian President condemned the coup attempt. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called for respect for democracy and the rule of law. The President of Cuba and European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell expressed their support for the Bolivian government and condemned the attempt to violate the constitutional order.
