Bolivian President Luis Arce has vehemently denied accusations that he orchestrated a short-lived military coup against his own government. Earlier this month, Bolivia witnessed the shortest military coup in its history, led by former general José Zuñiga. The coup, however, quickly fizzled out after a heated exchange between Arce and Zuñiga, where Arce reportedly told the general, “I am your captain… withdraw all of your troops right now.” The tense situation lasted just three hours, during which Arce urged Bolivians to “mobilize” and “defend the democracy.”
As normalcy returned, rumors began circulating that Arce was the mastermind behind the coup. These accusations stem from comments made by Zuñiga moments before his detention. Zuñiga claimed that Arce had ordered him to stage a “sham coup” to boost his own popularity, though he provided no evidence to support this assertion. Zuñiga, who was reportedly close to the government but had been dismissed a day before the mutiny, sowed seeds of doubt in the minds of many.
Arce’s opposition seized upon Zuñiga’s remarks and began demanding a parliamentary inquiry into claims of an orchestrated “autogolpe” (self-coup). Alejandro Reyes, a legislator from the Civic Community bloc, told The Observer that there were “indications, evidence and statements that allow us to think that this [coup] has been premeditated, and could even involve the participation of the executive.”
Arce has strongly denied these accusations, labeling them “lies” and insisting that Zuñiga acted independently. He has asserted his willingness to face justice. “I am not a politician who is going to win popularity through the blood of the people,” Arce declared.
Meanwhile, Arce’s supporters rallied outside the presidential palace on Thursday, offering the embattled leader some political breathing room. Authorities continue to make arrests in connection with the failed coup, which shook the economically troubled nation. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the turbulent political landscape of Bolivia, a country that has experienced a staggering 190 coups, multiple military dictatorships, and revolutions since gaining independence in 1825.
