LA PAZ, Bolivia – Bolivian President Luis Arce faced a recent scare as he thwarted an apparent coup attempt by a former general vying for power. Arce vehemently denied claims of staging a “self-coup” and emphasized his commitment to defending democracy in the Andean nation. The president refuted allegations that innocent individuals were tricked into participating in the failed coup orchestrated by ex-Gen. Juan Jose Zúñiga.

According to Arce, his government has been under siege by political attacks from former ally turned rival Evo Morales, which have hindered legislative progress and compounded economic challenges. Despite the turmoil, Arce maintains that Bolivia’s economy is growing, with efforts underway to diversify production methods and capitalize on the country’s vast lithium reserves, a valuable resource in the green energy transition.

In response to intermittent shortages of gasoline and dollars, Arce assured that his administration has taken decisive steps to address the economic hurdles facing Bolivia. The president expressed understanding for the public’s reaction to the attempted coup, acknowledging the lingering trauma from the political unrest in 2019 that forced Morales to resign and flee the country, resulting in numerous casualties.

Arce revealed that the government is actively investigating the possibility of opposition involvement in the failed coup and raised concerns about potential sniper activity during the incident. The aftermath of the thwarted coup has left the nation on edge, with the scars of past political upheavals still fresh in the minds of Bolivians. Despite the challenges, Arce remains steadfast in his commitment to upholding democracy and ensuring the stability of the nation.

As the South American nation navigates turbulent waters, Arce continues to steer Bolivia’s course towards economic growth and stability, underscoring his unwavering dedication to the well-being of the country and its people.