A political battle between former allies in Bolivia has escalated into street protests and calls for the resignation of current President Luis Arce. Former president Evo Morales, once a popular leftist leader, has accused Arce of mismanaging the economy and called on supporters to join a weeklong march to save Bolivia. Antigovernment protesters, including Indigenous activists, have blocked roads and demanded Arce’s resignation.
The rift between Morales and Arce began after Morales returned from exile, seeking to make a political comeback. Arce, who was Morales’s former ally, accused him of attempting to overthrow the government in a coup. The ongoing power struggle has created a sense of turmoil in Bolivia, with soldiers even allegedly trying to seize power in a supposed coup attempt in June.
Arce, facing mounting crises within his governing party, criticized Morales for putting democracy at risk by attempting to mobilize support against him in the next presidential election. Morales, who was extremely popular until he attempted to seek a fourth term in violation of the constitution, continues to have the support of coca cultivators, Indigenous tribes, and workers.
The protests and political tensions in Bolivia have highlighted the deep divide between Morales’s supporters and those backing Arce. The future of the country remains uncertain as the power struggle between the former allies continues to play out on the streets and in the political arena.
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