LA PAZ, Bolivia – Armored vehicles forcefully crashed into the doors of Bolivia’s government palace in what seemed to be an unsuccessful coup attempt on Wednesday. President Luis Arce stood resolute, proclaiming the country’s commitment to defending democracy and calling on the people to unite.
Surrounded by ministers in the palace, Arce emphasized the need for unity: “Here we are, standing firm in Casa Grande, ready to confront any attempt at a coup. We require the Bolivian people to mobilize.” He directly faced the general commander of the army, Juan José Zúñiga, who was allegedly leading the rebellion, demanding the withdrawal of soldiers and denouncing the act of insubordination.
Zúñiga hinted at a possible change in the Cabinet, stating, “Surely soon there will be a new Cabinet of ministers; our country, our state cannot continue like this.” Despite Zúñiga’s recognition of Arce as the commander in chief “for now,” the situation remained tense. In a bold move, the army aimed to “restore democracy and free political prisoners,” as the echoes of clashes reverberated in the palace’s corridors.
As tensions escalated, Arce took to X to reiterate the importance of upholding democracy. Footage broadcast on Bolivian television depicted military tanks and personnel in uniform stationed in front of the government palace. Inside, Arce, flanked by government officials, stressed the necessity to prevent the loss of Bolivian lives in yet another coup attempt.
Amidst a chorus of supporter cheers, Arce promptly appointed new heads of the army, navy, and air force. Troops positioned barricades outside the palace, and sentiments of disapproval emerged towards those tarnishing the military’s image. The newly appointed army chief, José Wilson Sánchez, urged mobilized individuals to return to their units, denouncing the unsettling scenes unfolding in the streets.
Subsequently, troops, along with armored vehicles, gradually retreated from the presidential palace, signaling a tentative calm. Bolivia’s largest labor union expressed condemnation and declared an indefinite strike in La Paz to uphold the government’s standing. The incident sparked a wave of disapproval from regional leaders, including neighboring Chile’s President Gabriel Boric, the leader of Honduras, and former Bolivian dignitaries.
Throughout recent months, Bolivia has grappled with mounting demonstrations due to economic strife, shifting from being one of the continent’s fastest-growing economies to one in crisis. Internally, a rift within the governing party has transpired between Arce and former President Evo Morales, fueling speculation over the future of Bolivia’s fractured Movement for Socialism ahead of the upcoming elections in 2025.