Bolivia on Brink: Former Allies Clash in Power Struggle
A simmering political battle between former allies has erupted into a full-blown power struggle in Bolivia, threatening to plunge the nation into further chaos, Al Jazeera reports.
Former President Evo Morales, the popular but controversial leftist leader, has called on his supporters to take to the streets in protest against current President Luis Arce, pushing the country closer to the precipice of a political crisis.
Morales announced a weeklong “March to Save Bolivia” on Monday, a move that follows Arce’s explosive accusations on national television that Morales is attempting to orchestrate a coup. This escalating conflict comes amidst a backdrop of Bolivia’s deepening economic crisis, fueled by fuel shortages and dwindling foreign currency reserves.
On Tuesday, anti-government protesters, including members of the “Red Ponchos” – a rebel Indigenous group from the high plains – blocked roads on the outskirts of La Paz, demanding Arce’s resignation. Similar roadblocks have been erected near Lake Titicaca, a popular tourist destination shared by Bolivia and Peru.
“It’s an incompetent government that we have, and it won’t solve the economic crisis,” said Pablo Merma, a leader of the Red Ponchos, reflecting the growing frustration amongst the population.
Some Bolivians, nostalgic for Morales’s era, which saw a major reduction in poverty, are increasingly vocal in their dissatisfaction with Arce’s handling of the economic turmoil.
Despite being Morales’s former economy minister and the candidate he handpicked for the 2020 elections, Arce and Morales have been locked in a bitter power struggle since the latter returned from exile, seeking a political comeback. The rift between them has polarized Bolivia, creating a sense of turmoil that even led to a bizarre alleged coup attempt by soldiers in June.
In an unprecedented televised address, Arce lashed out at Morales, accusing him of sabotaging his administration and undermining democracy.
“Enough, Evo!” Arce declared, “Until now, I have tolerated your attacks and slander in silence. But putting the lives of people at risk is something I cannot tolerate.”
Arce’s accusations stem from Morales’s efforts to mobilize support for a potential presidential run in next year’s elections, which Arce claims is “putting democracy at risk.” Arce’s dramatic speech dredged up the tumultuous events of 2019, when Morales, attempting to bypass the constitution for a fourth term, was forced to resign after accusations of electoral fraud triggered massive protests. The ensuing crackdown by security forces resulted in the deaths of at least 36 people.
Morales, Bolivia’s first Indigenous president, enjoyed immense popularity during his 2006-2019 tenure. However, his bid to overturn the constitutional term limits led to his downfall. Since then, coca cultivators, Indigenous tribes, and workers have rallied behind him, staging protests, marches, and road blockades.
