Bolivian President Denies Coup Conspiracy
Bolivian President Luis Arce has firmly denied any involvement in a conspiracy with former army chief General Juan José Zúñiga, who was arrested on charges of attempting a coup. The incident, which saw armored vehicles deployed in front of the presidential palace in La Paz, resulted in injuries to fourteen civilians opposing the coup. Some of these individuals required hospitalization and surgery, according to Arce.
General Zúñiga claimed he acted on orders from President Arce to stage an event to boost the president's popularity amidst a severe economic crisis. Arce, however, refuted these claims, stating, "How could a self-coup be ordered or planned? He acted on his own." The president emphasized that he would not seek popularity at the cost of civilian bloodshed.
International Reactions and Political Implications
Following the failed coup attempt, President Arce quickly swore in a new command of the armed forces. Alongside General Zúñiga, the head of the Navy, Juan Arnez Salvador, and fifteen others were arrested and face charges of armed uprising and terrorism, with potential sentences of up to 20 years in prison. The Minister of Government, Eduardo Del Castillo, revealed that the coup had been planned since May and that three additional suspects were being sought.
The international community has widely condemned the coup attempt. Russia expressed solidarity with Bolivia, warning against foreign interference. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva voiced support for Arce and democracy in Bolivia, highlighting the country's significant lithium and gas reserves. The United States, France, Spain, and numerous South American countries also condemned the coup.
The Organization of American States (OAS) Secretary General, Luis Almagro, stated that the OAS would not tolerate any violation of Bolivia's constitutional order. Almagro expressed solidarity with President Arce and emphasized that the Bolivian Army must submit to civil authority as mandated by the Inter-American Democratic Charter.
The coup attempt has exposed significant political tensions within Bolivia, particularly between President Arce and his political mentor, former president Evo Morales. Both leaders are eager to run for the ruling party, the Movement Towards Socialism (MAS), in the 2025 presidential election. General Zúñiga had previously expressed his opposition to Morales's potential return to power, which is currently prohibited by a Constitutional Court decision.
- The institutional turmoil in Bolivia lasted only a few hours, but it highlighted the country's vulnerabilities and the sharpening appetites ahead of the 2025 presidential election. The motivations behind General Zúñiga's actions remain unclear, though he claimed to seek a restructuring of democracy.
- The United Nations has called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations of violence associated with the coup attempt. The presidency released images showing the door to the presidential palace forced open by an armored vehicle and the general entering the compound while his men fired tear gas. President Arce was seen admonishing the general, ordering him to withdraw all military police back to their barracks.
- Political analyst Gustavo Flores-Macias from Cornell University noted that the failed coup reflects deep-seated discontent within Bolivia. The country is grappling with severe economic challenges, including a drop in gas production and rising prices, which have led to public anger and fuel shortages.
- The conflict between President Arce and Evo Morales adds another layer of complexity to Bolivia's political landscape. While Morales enjoys strong support, his potential candidacy in the 2025 election is contentious, given the Constitutional Court's ruling against his participation.
