A political battle is brewing in Bolivia as former allies President Luis Arce and former President Evo Morales are at loggerheads, with tensions escalating as Morales called on his supporters to take to the streets in protest against Arce. The situation quickly turned violent when clashes erupted between followers of the two politicians during the march, leaving 26 people injured. The protests were sparked by accusations from Arce that Morales was attempting to overthrow his government in a coup. Morales and over 5,000 supporters embarked on a weeklong march, only to be met by Arce supporters who blocked their path in a small town.
The current crisis in Bolivia has led some citizens to look back on Morales’s time in office with nostalgia, as he was known for reducing poverty during his tenure as the country’s first Indigenous president. However, his attempt to seek a fourth term by bypassing the constitution led to growing opposition and a rift between him and Arce, who served as his former economy minister. Their falling out has polarized Bolivia and caused turmoil in the country’s politics, with soldiers attempting a coup in June. The power struggle between the two leaders has pushed Bolivia to the brink, with Morales attempting to mobilize support for a potential presidential run in next year’s election.
Morales urged the international community to follow his march from Caracollo to La Paz, citing the failures of the current government in addressing the economic crisis and corruption in the country. He accused Arce of maintaining silence in the face of these issues and called upon Bolivia’s farmers, miners, and peasants to support his cause. Arce, in turn, accused Morales of endangering democracy and attempting to return to power by any means necessary. The situation has evoked memories of the chaos and bloodshed of 2019 when Morales was pressured to resign under allegations of electoral fraud, leading to mass protests and a crackdown by security forces.
Arce’s governing party has been dealing with mounting crises and internal disagreements, further complicating the situation in Bolivia. Morales’s attempts to mobilize support for a potential presidential run next year have been seen as a threat to the country’s stability and democracy by Arce. The power struggle between the two leaders has left Bolivia in a state of uncertainty and unrest, with Morales’s supporters vowing to hold Arce responsible for any consequences that may arise. The ongoing clashes between the two factions represent a larger political and ideological divide within the country, with implications for the future of Bolivia’s leadership and governance. As tensions continue to rise, the fate of the nation hangs in the balance as supporters of both Morales and Arce square off in the streets, demanding change and accountability from their leaders.
