Coup attempt failed due to lack of popular support: Bolivian president

LA PAZ: The coup attempt in the Bolivian capital of La Paz on Wednesday lacked popular support and was swiftly quashed due to widespread backing for democracy in the country, said Bolivian President Luis Arce on Friday.

On Wednesday, hundreds of soldiers led by General Juan Jose Zuniga marched on the Plaza Murillo square, the epicenter of Bolivia’s political power, and forced their way into the old Government Palace, in a failed bid to oust President Arce from office.

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The incident happened just hours after a rumor circulated that Zuniga was being relieved of his position as commander of the Armed Forces in the country for having made controversial political statements against former president Evo Morales.

In an exclusive interview with China Global Television Network, Arce reflected on the event of the failed coup attempt and provided insights into what occurred that day.

“First of all, we were seeing all the military coming up to the Plaza Murillo. I thought there was no reason for a movement like that. So, for me, it’s very important to be backed by people in this position to defend. And not only the government, more important it was the democracy for Bolivia. That’s why we went to face them and asked why they were doing the movement.”

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“And I ordered him (General Zuniga) to change and go back, all the military people that were moved by his orders. When he didn’t react positively to my orders, I changed him. I changed all the three commanders of the three forces we have in Bolivia. And that’s it. They realized that they didn’t have the back of the population, first of all. I was receiving all the support from many presidents, and also, international people overseas. And also, I was backed by many institutions. So, this coup attempt couldn’t prospect,” said Arce.

Following the attempted coup d’etat, Bolivian people gathered to demonstrate strong support for democracy, voicing their backing for Arce and condemning the actions of General Zuniga.

In the interview, the president also denied accusation that the coup attempt was a rule to gain popularity for his presidency.

“When the coup attempt was happening in my country, all of them sent messages by Twitter (X) and so on, telling that everybody has to fight against (the coup), in order to maintain the democracy in Bolivia. Everybody back the democracy in Bolivia,” said the president.

He then affirmed that the coup leader General Zuniga genuinely wanted to take the power.

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Government Minister Eduardo del Castillo said on Thursday that as many as 17 people, mostly members of the military, have been arrested for their role in the failed coup.

Investigations showed the planning of the coup began in May and it was orchestrated by three well-defined groups, including the “preparation and planning group” led by Zuniga and Vice Admiral Juan Arnez, who were arrested on Wednesday night, according to del Castillo.