It was on Wednesday that Bolivia had to face a chaotic coup attempt as the presidential palace in La Paz was stormed by Armored Vehicles. An action condemned as a coup by President Luis Arce, General Juan José Zúñiga led this group, and he quickly retreated after asking for international help. Within hours, Zúñiga and former navy Vice Admiral Juan Arnez Salvador were detained thereby ending the rebellion. This event thus adds to an already existing political and economic turmoil in Bolivia where president Arce along with ex-president Evo Morales are currently engaged in an intense power struggle within their ruling party known as Movement for Socialism.
The attack which began with soldiers storming Plaza Murillo drew strong condemnation from both domestic and international leaders. President Arce’s tough stance involved him approaching Zúñiga and ordering troops to leave. No support was shown to the coup attempt due to political crisis even among his rivals who defended democracy. The incident brings into focus the ongoing political tensions and economic challenges that face Bolivia before the general elections of 2025.
What caused this coup attempt in Bolivia?
It follows then that General Juan José Zúñiga is responsible for having staged a coups d’etat when military units entered plaza Murillo leading into assaulting the state house. He stated that “the military intended to ‘restore democracy’” insisting on being frustrated about politics and economy.
How did President Luis Arce respond to the coup attempt?
Quickly decrying the act of aggression against his government, President Arce called on Bolivians to join together in defense of their democratic system. In doing so, he went up directly against General Zúñiga at his official residence while ordering them out; within moments the new heads were appointed.
Who is Bolivia’s President Luis Arce?
In 2020, A former economy minister took over as president of Bolivia after a period of deep political turmoil; Luís Arce. Under Evo Moralles’ presidency, a period of significant growth for the country, he created Bolivia’s economic policies as the economy minister. Arce and Morales have become rivals on Bolivia’s political scene following many years of friendship, especially ahead of 2025 general elections. Indeed, his presidency has been characterized by attempts to stabilize the economy as well as deal with political challenges including a recent coup attempt that he quelled.
What are the broader implications of this coup attempt for Bolivia?
The coup attempt adds to the political and economic turmoil in Bolivia with tensions rising ahead of the 2025 general elections. Therefore, things become messier still when we consider that within this Party there is an ongoing power struggle between President Arce and former president Evo Morales.
How has the international community reacted to the coup attempt?
Consequently, such regional leaders together with organizations like Organization of American States condemned and supported President Arce respectively after which there was call for peace to restore constitutional order.
What are the next steps for Bolivia’s government?
Therefore, after being overthrown in a coup bid, President Arce is focused on sustaining peace plus addressing economic downturns. Additionally VP David Choquehuanca emphasized that Bolivians will not allow future coups thereby insinuating their commitment to protecting democracy.
