Ahead of attack, Zuniga addressed reporters, citing growing anger following economic slump in Bolivia
BOLIVIA: A failed coup attempt erupted Wednesday in Bolivia, where armored vehicles rammed into the doors of the government palace. President Luis Arce said the country stood firm against an attack on democracy.
Arce confronted the army general commander, Juan José Zúñiga, who appeared to be leading the rebellion in the palace hallway, saying, “I am your captain, and I order you to withdraw your soldiers, and I will not allow this insubordination.”
Bolivian television showed two tanks and several men in military uniform outside the building, but troops and armored vehicles began to pull back later. Supporters of Arce flooded into the palace outside soon afterward, waving Bolivian flags.
The day has been “atypical in the life of a country that wants democracy,” according to Arce. “An attempted coup by troops who are staining the uniform, who are attacking our constitution,” was what he denounced.
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Arce also removed Zúñiga and Vice Adm. Juan Arnez Salvador from their positions as heads of state and navy, respectively.
The apparent coup attempt came as the country has faced months of tensions and political fights between Arce and his one-time ally, former leftist president Evo Morales, over control of the ruling party. It also came amid a severe economic crisis.
