Evo Morales Accuses Luis Arce of Deception Amid Coup Attempt
The former president of Bolivia, Evo Morales, has publicly accused the current president, Luis Arce, of deceiving the Bolivian people and the world regarding an alleged coup attempt. Morales expressed his concerns on social media, stating that Arce used the sensitive issue of a coup for political gain. Morales apologized to the international community for the alarm caused and called for a thorough investigation to uncover the truth.
Morales criticized Arce on his television program, alleging that Arce is an 'expert in disrespecting the truth' and suggesting that the coup attempt might have been orchestrated by Arce himself. This accusation comes amid a strained relationship between the two leaders within the ruling Movement towards Socialism (MAS) party.
Arce's Response and the Internal Struggle within MAS
In response, President Luis Arce held a press conference where he defended his actions, stating that he warned Morales about the coup attempt as a gesture of solidarity. Arce attributed the coup attempt to foreign interests aiming to exploit Bolivia's natural resources, particularly its vast lithium reserves. He emphasized that the coup was thwarted due to the lack of economic or social motives within Bolivia.
The internal conflict within MAS has intensified, with Morales calling for a MAS congress in September and criticizing Arce for allegedly trying to undermine the party's leadership. Morales accused Arce of attempting to take control of the party's acronym through legal means and annulling decisions made by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal.
The coup attempt, led by General Juan José Zúñiga, involved over 200 troops and tanks entering Plaza Murillo and the Palacio Quemado. Arce claimed that the coup plotters were driven by foreign interests seeking to control Bolivia's natural resources. He also accused Morales of using the coup attempt to further his political ambitions, particularly his desire to run for president in 2024 despite being disqualified by the judiciary.
The strained relationship between Arce and Morales reflects deeper divisions within MAS, with both leaders vying for control and influence ahead of the upcoming elections. The situation remains tense, with ongoing investigations into the coup attempt and the potential for further political instability in Bolivia.
- Arce highlighted the economic challenges facing Bolivia, including the need for more investment in gas exploration and the country's transition towards industrialization. He dismissed concerns about inflation, citing Bolivia's price stability compared to neighboring countries.
- The Bolivian military's role in the coup attempt has drawn attention to its conservative nature and historical resistance to changes in the liberal order. Despite efforts by Morales to integrate indigenous symbols and ideologies into the military, these measures have had limited success.
- The recent arrests of military personnel involved in the coup attempt have added to the tension between the government and the armed forces. Analysts suggest that the military's actions were driven by a desire to protect their economic interests and political influence.
- The internal conflict within MAS and the ongoing investigations into the coup attempt are likely to shape Bolivia's political landscape in the coming months. Both Arce and Morales face significant challenges as they navigate this period of uncertainty and potential upheaval.
