Bolivia is engulfed in a political crisis fueled by a power struggle between President Luis Arce and former President Evo Morales, alongside economic hardships. Similar anti-government protests are sweeping Latin America, impacting countries like Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador, reflecting widespread discontent and instability in the region.
Bolivia’s political tensions reached a boiling point on Sunday as supporters of former president Evo Morales clashed violently with pro-government forces and security personnel in El Alto, a city near the capital La Paz. The clashes, the second such escalation this week, mark a stark escalation in the ongoing power struggle between Morales and current President Luis Arce, who are vying to lead the MAS party into the 2025 elections. Morales, seeking to mobilize support for his return to power, is leading a weeklong march to La Paz, which has been met with resistance from Arce’s government. This escalating unrest underscores the deep schism in Bolivian society and raises concerns about the potential for further violence ahead of next year’s presidential election.
Bolivian President Luis Arce has accused former president Evo Morales of plotting a coup by calling for demonstrations and roadblocks, aiming to force the courts to overturn a ban on his 2025 presidential candidacy. Morales, who is barred from running, is seeking to bypass the constitution and contest the upcoming election, leading to escalating tensions within the ruling party.
Bolivian President Luis Arce has vehemently denied accusations that he orchestrated a short-lived military coup against his own government. The coup, led by former general José Zuñiga, lasted just three hours before Arce successfully rallied support and the military retreated. However, rumors quickly emerged claiming Arce had staged the coup to boost his popularity, accusations he has dismissed as lies.
