Bolivia’s president and minister Maria Nela Prada addressed the global audience to report an attempted coup within the country. The briefing, carried by Los Tiempos, outlined the leadership’s concern and called for wide international support against the disruption to constitutional order. Prada urged the international community to stand with Bolivia as it faced an unfolding political crisis, emphasizing the need to uphold democratic institutions and the rule of law. Tiempos.
Prada underscored that Bolivia was appealing to other nations and international bodies to oppose the attempted power grab and protect the rights of citizens to participate in a peaceful and legitimate political process. The appeal reflected a broader commitment to safeguarding democratic norms and ensuring a stable environment for dialogue and governance. Tiempos.
Earlier, President Luis Arce, speaking in the name of the Bolivian state, characterized the military’s actions in La Paz as a coup d’etat and urged the people to defend democracy. The president stressed that the state would respond with lawful means to restore constitutional order while protecting civil liberties. Tiempos.
In reaction to the crisis, Bolivia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs asked the international community to back President Arce’s government amid the ongoing developments in La Paz. The State Department described the situation as a disorderly mobilization by certain army units and asserted that the actions threatened democracy, peace, and security in the country. The statement signaled a clear demand for restraint and adherence to constitutional processes. Tiempos.
General Juan José Zúñiga, who formerly led the national army during the tensions, departed from the government building after his meeting with the president. In the wake of this development, interior ministry officials, led by Interior Minister Carlos Eduardo del Castillo, moved to seal off the building’s entrance, signaling a heightened sense of alarm and a rapid effort to restore order and protect government functions. Tiempos.
In a related development, President Arce indicated that Bolivia is prepared to pursue a path that could see the country as a member of BRICS, signaling a strategic interest in diversifying economic and political alliances amid regional uncertainty. The statement suggested a willingness to explore new international partnerships while addressing domestic political dynamics. Tiempos.