Bolivian President Arce Denounces Attempt at Political Destabilization
Bolivian President Luis Arce (C), Sept. 15, 2024. X/ @FranJustFarell
September 16, 2024 Hour: 9:42 am
On Monday, the Aymara Indigenous ‘Red Ponchos’ decided to block the roads connecting La Paz with the rest of the country.
During a televised message broadcast on Sunday, President Luis Arce denounced an attempt at political destabilization that is promoting road and highway blockades.
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He accused former President Evo Morales, the leader of the Movement Towards Socialism (MAS) party, of attempting to shorten his term and orchestrating protest actions to impose his presidential candidacy.
“I have the historical responsibility to inform the country and the world of what could happen in the coming days in Bolivia because of you,” Arce said, implicitly addressing Morales.
“A march will begin that will turn into a national road blockade, which will culminate in an attempted coup… Sooner or later, you will have to answer to our people for this,” he added, claiming that Morales has been working against his administration to appear as the “savior” of Bolivia.
Previously, Morales’ supporters announced a march on Tuesday that will begin in Caracollo, 190 kilometers southeast of La Paz, aiming to prevent the proscription of the MAS party and protest the economic situation, as well as the shortage of dollars and fuel.
On Monday, the Aymara Indigenous ‘Red Ponchos’ decided to block the roads connecting La Paz with the rest of the country, demanding the resignation of Arce and Vice President David Choquehuanca, whom they accuse of “dividing” social organizations.
“Enough, Evo. Until now, I have tolerated your attacks, your lies, and your slander in silence, but putting the people’s lives at risk is something I will not tolerate. You are threatening the entire country with strikes and blockades because you want to do something the Constitution does not allow, namely, run for a presidential candidacy again. It’s not me who is disqualifying you, Evo. It is the Constitution that does so,” President Arce said.
Since the end of 2021, Morales and Arce have been distanced due to policy differences, which have deepened over the need to renew the national leadership of the MAS, something the factions loyal to both leaders have failed to agree upon.
Social sectors supporting both leaders have repeatedly called for MAS congresses, but the electoral authority has not recognized these meetings until both MAS factions agree to organize a single joint meeting. Morales’ supporters have proclaimed him as the “sole candidate” for the 2025 presidential elections, while Arce’s supporters insist on renewing MAS leadership and question Morales’ candidacy.
teleSUR/ JF Sources: EFE – teleSUR
