According to the latest developments in Bolivia, the coup attempt that began on Wednesday resulted in the withdrawal of the country’s armed forces from the presidential palace in the capital La Paz. The leader of the coup, General Juan Jose Zuniga, was arrested. President Luis Arce condemned the coup attempt against his government and called for international support.
Political tension in Bolivia rose with the news that former President Evo Morales will compete with President Luis Arce in the upcoming elections. Military units led by General Juan Jose Zuniga, the leader of the coup attempt, gathered in Plaza Murillo Square to react to Morales’ potential candidacy and threaten to overthrow the government.
Condemning the coup attempt, President Arce called on the public to organize in favor of democracy. As a result of conflicts between military units affiliated with Zuniga and civilian groups supporting the government, Zuniga troops agreed to withdraw from Plaza Murillo. Arce appointed Jose Wilson Sanchez to replace Zuniga, whom he dismissed. Juan Jose Zuniga, who led the coup attempt, was arrested.
Who is President Luis Arce?
Bolivia’s 60-year-old President Luis Arce, who served as Minister of Economy during the Evo Morales period, is known for his stance against Washington-backed free market and neoliberal policies. Arce takes a stance against the influence of Western investors on the Bolivian economy with his policies of nationalizing critical sectors of the economy. Arce, who was elected President in the elections held after Evo Morales resigned in 2019, is known for his close relations with Russia and China.
