Coup crisis in Bolivia: President Arce held captive by military
As reported by local media, an attempted coup occurred in Bolivia on Wednesday. The military, led by Juan José Zuniga, stormed the presidential palace in La Paz and took President Luis Arce captive. "We will reclaim our homeland," declared General Zuniga behind the coup. Tanks appeared on the streets, and chaos reigned in the capital.
The Bolivian president, Luis Arce, dismissed Juan José Zuniga due to his inappropriate remarks in the local press. The two have long been at odds.
In response to this move, the commander of the Bolivian army mobilised a section of soldiers. On social media, videos show armoured vehicles and armed soldiers gathering around the main square in La Paz.
The police also appeared, trying to restore order, but they succumbed to the pressure from the insurgents.
This place is exceptionally important for politicians. The parliament and the presidential palace are located there. It's no surprise that the president's reaction was immediate.
Luis Arce described Wednesday's events as "an irregular mobilisation of some units of the Bolivian army." He also called on the coup plotters to return to their barracks.
We must respect democracy - the president warned on platform X.
Former president, Evo Morales, spoke in a similar tone. He unequivocally stood by the attacked authorities.
We will not allow the armed forces to violate democracy and intimidate people - he announced in local media.
Reuters reports that the Bolivian president's residence is no longer safe. An armoured vehicle breached the doors. In an interview with Bolivian television, the coup's instigator declared he came there to "express concerns" about the country.
There will be a new cabinet of ministers; surely everything will change; our country can no longer continue this way - declared Juan José Zuniga.
Journalists from national media report that part of the army is stationed at Plaza Murillo. Civilian access to this area is limited. The administration minister, Maria Nela Prada, confirmed this information.
She added that the soldiers are equipped with heavy equipment. In front of the cameras, she explicitly called this an attempted coup, emphasising that the president's closest collaborators remain with him.
Attempted coup in Bolivia. The president announced a speech
Reuters reports that the president decided to address the nation in the face of threat. Earlier, he had discussed Jose Zúñiga and the officers under his command, asking them to choose to demobilise the troops attacking the square immediately.
I am your captain and I order you to withdraw your soldiers, and I will not tolerate this insubordination - the agency quotes.
A senior official of the European Union for foreign affairs and security policy also commented on the events in Bolivia. Josep Borrell condemned the attempted coup.
The European Union condemns any attempts to undermine the constitutional order in Bolivia and overthrow democratically elected governments, expressing solidarity with the government and people of Bolivia - he wrote via platform X.
Support for the current Bolivian authorities was also expressed by top-ranking politicians from Honduras, Brazil, and Mexico.
