Bolivian President Luis Arce Faces Coup Attempt
Bolivian President Luis Arce has found himself at the center of a political storm following a recent coup attempt by a faction of the Bolivian military. On the 26th of the month, a general accused of orchestrating the coup claimed he received orders directly from the president to mobilize armored vehicles. This revelation has further complicated the already tense political environment in Bolivia.
General Zuniga’s Controversial Claims
General Zuniga, who was arrested by the police, stated to local reporters that President Arce had instructed him to prepare for action in order to boost his popularity. According to Zuniga, Arce explicitly told him to deploy armored vehicles. While the authenticity of these claims remains unverified, reports indicate that armored vehicles were indeed seen around the capital, La Paz, last weekend.
The general, who led an armed march to Plaza Murillo near the Presidential Palace, justified his actions by accusing an elite group of collapsing the country. He asserted that the military's intention was to restore democracy and return power to the people. This dramatic display was followed by a face-to-face meeting between General Zuniga and President Arce, which was broadcast live on local television.
International Reactions and Political Fallout
The international community has responded swiftly to the unfolding events in Bolivia. The White House has urged calm and restraint, while leaders from Brazil, Spain, Cuba, and the European Union have condemned the coup attempt and called for respect for democracy and the rule of law. President Arce, in a televised address, called on the Bolivian people to mobilize against the coup and defend democracy.
The political tension in Bolivia is further heightened by the strained relationship between President Arce and former President Evo Morales. Once political allies, the two are now at odds, with Morales accusing the Arce government of orchestrating a scheme to block his candidacy in the upcoming presidential elections. This internal conflict within the left-wing political sphere is contributing to the instability in the country.
- President Arce's decision to replace the military leadership, including the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was a swift response to the coup attempt. This move was aimed at reasserting control over the military and preventing further disobedience.
- The Bolivian military's withdrawal from the area around the presidential palace came after strong opposition from within the country, including the Supreme Court and major labor groups, as well as condemnation from the international community.
- The political rivalry between Arce and Morales is expected to intensify as the presidential elections approach. Morales, who served as president from 2006 to 2019, has been a significant political figure in Bolivia, and his exclusion from the upcoming elections has added fuel to the ongoing political unrest.
