“The plurinational State of Bolivia denounces to the international community the irregular mobilizations of some units of the Bolivian army, which pose a threat against democracy, peace and security of the countrythe government said in a statement.
In the same sentence, they added: “We call on the international community and the Bolivian people to respect democratic values and support the government of President Luis Arce Catacora. constitutionally and legitimately elected by the sovereign will of the Bolivian people.”
In a video broadcast from executive headquarters, Bolivia's President Luis Arce reported that “the country is facing an attempted coup” and that once again “interests are being put first so that democracy can be achieved in Bolivia.”
“Here we are, the national government with all its ministers, here in Casa Grande determined to stop any attempted coup and any attempt that threatens our democracy,” Arce stressed.
As the government has already denounced, army commander Juan José Zúñiga is at the forefront of this coup attempt. He was recently fired after stating in a television interview this week that the armed forces would act to prevent Evo Morales from running for office.
Zúñiga has assured the press that a new cabinet will be formed “soon,” although he insists he recognizes President Arce's authority “for the time being.”
Zúñiga, removed from office
Juan José Zúñigawas removed from office last Tuesday after a series of threats against former president Evo Morales. The controversial statements he made in a television interview prompted authorities to announce his resignation, although Zúñiga himself has assured that he has not been demoted from his position.
In statements made on television last Monday, the soldier had said that Morales “can no longer be president of this country,” and that “if necessary” he would not allow “him to trample on the constitution, the mandate of the people is disobedient'. .” Likewise, he noted that the armed forces are “the armed arm of the people, the armed arm of the country.”
Despite Zúñiga's resignation, he himself stated on Tuesday evening that he would continue to exercise his office, and that he would even go to work in his office in the following hours to carry out his daily duties: “Tomorrow I will go very early, I have There are many activities that I have to perform and the higher levels will definitely decide my situation. I am a soldier of the country and we obey the higher orders faithfully.
Known for his opposition to a possible candidacy of Evo Morales, Juan José Zúñiga had fallen out in the past, with the former president accusing him of embezzling 2.7 million Bolivian soles in bonds and travel expenses for the military, in addition to leading the so-called “Pachajcho Group”. In his defense, Zúñiga assured that this was a “smear campaign” against him.
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