Former President Evo Morales of Bolivia recently claimed that shots were fired at his vehicle in what he believes was an attempt to kill him. The incident occurred amidst political turmoil within the ruling socialist party factions as Morales and President Luis Arce engage in a power struggle ahead of the 2025 polls. Morales stated that two vehicles intercepted him on the road and fired upon his car, with a bullet passing dangerously close to his head. He described the incident as planned and intended to kill him, though the government has denied any involvement.
Morales, Bolivia’s first Indigenous president, shared a video on Facebook showing bullet holes in his car’s windshield after the alleged attack. He also mentioned that the driver was injured but managed to continue driving. Following the incident, Deputy Security Minister Roberto Rios confirmed that an investigation will be conducted to look into the attack on Morales. Additionally, tensions have been rising in Bolivia with Morales’ supporters blocking highways, leading to confrontations with security forces.
The government has criticized Morales for destabilizing the country with road blockades that have disrupted the supply of food and fuel. They accused him of trying to interrupt the democratic order and stated that some groups allied with Morales were armed. The government also reported that 14 police officers were injured while attempting to dismantle the blockades. In response, more than 1,700 police officers were deployed to remove the roadblocks, resulting in the arrest of 44 protesters.
Morales, aged 65, and President Arce, aged 61, both belong to the same political party, Movement Toward Socialism (MAS). However, the two leaders have been at odds with each other over the past year, reflecting a power struggle leading up to the 2025 presidential elections. The country is currently facing economic challenges such as dwindling gas production, depleted foreign currency reserves, and rising inflation, which are further intensifying political tensions within the ruling party.
Apart from the political and economic challenges, Morales is also facing allegations of having relationships with minors. Regional prosecutors have summoned him to testify in the case, leading to an arrest warrant after his non-appearance. Morales vehemently denies the accusations, labeling them as lies and claiming to be a victim of government-led judicial persecution. The former president’s legal issues add another layer of complexity to the already tumultuous political landscape in Bolivia as tensions continue to escalate between rival factions within the ruling party.
As the investigation into the alleged attack on Morales unfolds, the political situation in Bolivia remains volatile. The power struggle between Morales and Arce, economic challenges, and legal issues faced by Morales are contributing to the growing unrest in the country. The upcoming 2025 presidential elections add to the stakes, ensuring that the political landscape in Bolivia remains fraught with tension and uncertainty. It is imperative for the government to address these issues promptly and effectively to prevent further escalation of the crisis and restore stability in the nation.
