Luis Arce, chairman of Bolivia, categorically refutes claims that he organized a coup attempt against his own state, calling them “lies.” The claims came from General Juan José Zúñiga, who led the failed coup and claimed, without evidence, that Arce had ordered the rebellion to buttress his declining popularity.
The big picture
- Arrests and costs: The authorities announced the arrest of 17 people involved in the revolution try, most of them military commanders. Among those arrested were the military commander, General Zúñiga, and former Navy Vice Admiral Juan Arnez Salvador. They are accused of armed rebellion and attacks on government buildings, and they face possible sentences of 15 years or more in prison.
- People effect: The failed revolution has sparked a mix of astonishment and guesswork among Bolivians. ” They are playing with the knowledge of the people, because nothing believes that it was a true coup”, said Evaristo Mamani, a 48- yr- old attorney. Some People believe Zúñiga’s complaints, while others see it as a desperate social movement.
- Government’s approach: Arce and his administration have highly denied any involvement in the coup plot. On Thursday, Arce asserted that he was not a politician who would “win recognition through the heart of the people.” Without giving more details, the president claimed that the story involved both retired military officers and civilians as well.
Why it concerns
- Bolivia, a nation currently grappling with severe financial problems, such as shortages of foreign currency and energy, has been subject to more political instability thanks to these accusations.
- The situation highlights the country’s delicate politics and the growing conflict between Arce and past president Evo Morales.
Between the traces
- The failed revolution highlights the ongoing power struggle between Arce and Morales, his erstwhile allies. Morales has returned to politics since being ousted in 2019 and has pledged to issue Arce in the forthcoming elections in 2025.
- The conflict has more divided the country and made governance for Arce, whose administration is already under pressure from inside party conflicts and economic hardships, difficult.
What they’re saying
- Government officers: Senior Cabinet part Eduardo del Castillo said that among the arrested was human AnÃbal Aguilar Gómez, identified as a vital “ideologue” of the revolution. He mentioned that the alleged assassins started making plans in May.
- International Reactions: Speaking in Paraguay, US Deputy Secretary of State Rich Verma condemned Zúñiga’s activities, stating that “democracy remains delicate in our hemispheres”.
- Researchers ‘ views:” What we saw is extremely uncommon for revolution d’etats in Latin America, and it raises red flags”, said Diego von Vacano, a democratic specialist at Texas A&, M University. He noted that Arce’s handling of the situation turned him into a symbol of democracy’s defense.
What next
- Political support: Arce’s supporters rallied outside the presidential palace on Thursday, chanting,” Lucho, you are not alone”! The troubled leader has had some political breathing room thanks to this outcry in public.
- Further investigations: Authorities continue to make arrests related to the coup attempt. In a private meeting where Arce dismissed Ziga over threats to arrest Morales if he decided to run in the 2025 elections, defense minister Edmundo Novillo revealed the origins of the coup.
- Future implications: Analysts suggest that the coup attempt, although failed, might temporarily boost Arce’s image amidst the economic crisis. However, it does not resolve the underlying issues. ” Yesterday’s military move is going to help his image a bit, but it’s no solution”, said political analyst Paul Coca.
( With inputs from agencies )
