A simmering political battle in Bolivia threatens to erupt into a full-blown power struggle as former allies turned foes, Evo Morales and President Luis Arce, clash in a growing crisis. Morales has called for supporters to hit the streets in protest against Arce, who accused him of attempting a coup. Anti-government protests have blocked roads in La Paz and Lake Titicaca, with calls for Arce’s resignation due to economic mismanagement. The rift between the two leaders has polarized Bolivia, with soldiers even attempting a supposed coup in June. Morales has embarked on a weeklong march to La Paz, urging the international community to join in criticizing Arce’s government. Arce, in turn, has accused Morales of endangering democracy with plans to contest the next presidential election. The situation has brought back memories of the 2019 crisis that led to Morales stepping down under pressure from the army amid allegations of fraud. Morales, Bolivia’s first Indigenous president, remains popular among certain groups, and protests continue to challenge Arce’s administration. The outcome of this power struggle could determine the country’s future, as tensions escalate and the political landscape shifts.
Source
Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
