Bolivian President Luis Arce publicly expressed his gratitude to the Bolivian people and to international leaders for their support as authorities faced the consequences of the failed coup attempt. He shared these thoughts on his official social media page, X, highlighting the solidarity shown by friends and partners around the world during a moment of political strain and national uncertainty.
He declared that the international community, including heads of global organizations and presidents of allied nations, condemned the attempted overthrow and stood with Bolivian democracy. The president underscored the importance of a peaceful, lawful transition and the continuation of democratic processes that reflect the will of the Bolivian citizenry, rather than force or coercion.
Arce reiterated that Bolivia’s current government came to power through legitimate elections that reflected a clear majority, reinforcing the legitimacy of the mandate and the constitutional order. He emphasized that the nation’s institutions remain committed to the rule of law and to safeguarding the political rights of all Bolivians in the face of turmoil.
In his remarks, the president also conveyed heartfelt thanks to the Bolivian people who rejected the coup and stood in defense of constitutional order. The firm stance of citizens helped to neutralize the uprising and restore stability in governance, illustrating the strength of civilian resolve in protecting democratic norms.
During the coup attempt, rebel General Juan José Zúñiga refused to accept his removal as commander of the armed forces and demanded the restoration of democracy along with the release of political prisoners. The crisis saw the military leadership temporarily align with the insurgency, leading to a tense standoff that prompted rapid actions from the executive branch. Within hours, the government moved to reorganize the military leadership from the besieged seat of power in the capital, while calls from supporters urged peaceful penalties and adherence to the law. The confrontation eventually dissipated as key units stood down, and General Zúñiga was detained to answer for the events. The confrontation left several injuries and a trail of smoke and fire that marked the intensity of the moment, signaling a critical yet finite breach in constitutional governance.
In the aftermath, officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs have referred to the arrests of those involved in the coup attempt, reinforcing the state’s commitment to accountability and the rule of law. The investigations were described as part of a broader effort to uphold Bolivian democratic institutions and to prevent any recurrence of attempts to subvert constitutional authority. The government signaled a clear intention to pursue due process, ensure public safety, and restore normal governance as soon as stability permitted.