Bolivia on Brink: Morales Ultimatum Sparks Fears of Further Unrest
Tensions have escalated in Bolivia, as anti-government protesters, led by former President Evo Morales, clashed with supporters of current President Luis Arce in the capital, La Paz, Al Jazeera reports.
The unrest, fueled by an economic crisis and the upcoming 2025 presidential election, has raised fears of further violence and instability in the Andean nation.
On Monday evening, a volatile situation unfolded in the Plaza Murrillo, the heart of La Paz, where government supporters and riot police gathered to defend the government. Morales, addressing a large crowd, issued an ultimatum to Arce: make cabinet changes within 24 hours or face the wrath of the thousands of protesters he has mobilized for a week-long march.
Morales, accusing the government of “betrayal, corruption, protection of drug trafficking, and economic mismanagement,” has been using the economic crisis as a tool to push his campaign for a political comeback. He is currently barred from running for another term by the constitution but seeks to regain influence ahead of the 2025 election.
The Bolivian government, in a statement, rejected Morales’ ultimatum, calling it a threat to the country’s “democratic order.”
The escalating conflict has paralyzed the government, exacerbated the depletion of Bolivia’s foreign reserves, and fueled street protests. The situation is reminiscent of the 2003 mass protests that led to the resignation of President Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada.
Clashes between Morales’ supporters and Arce’s supporters have resulted in 34 injuries, according to authorities. Acrid smoke from burning tires and tear gas fills the streets of El Alto, a sprawling city above the capital. Protesters have exchanged firecrackers, homemade explosives, and stones, while riot police have fired tear gas into the crowds.
The current crisis has its roots in a power struggle between Morales and Arce, who were once close allies but now vie for leadership within the Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) party. Arce, who served as Minister of Economy under Morales, accused his former ally of attempting a “military coup” earlier this year.
