Bolivia's Political Turmoil: Arce and Morales Clash Amid National Blockade
By
Juan Martinez
September 17, 2024
Bolivia faces a critical moment as protesters demand President Luis Arce’s resignation through a nationwide blockade. The conflict between Arce and former President Evo Morales intensifies, revealing deep divisions within the ruling party. Roads connecting La Paz to the rest of the country remain blocked in an indefinite strike.
The indigenous group known as ‘Red Ponchos’ initiated the road blockades on Monday. They demand the resignation of President Arce and Vice President David Choquehuanca, citing dollar and fuel shortages. The protesters also accuse the government of promoting division among social organizations. David Mamani, the main leader of the ‘Red Ponchos’, declared an indefinite strike until Arce and Choquehuanca resigned.
Demonstrators have set up blockades on major highways connecting La Paz to other regions and neighboring countries. They use bonfires, stones, and debris to obstruct vehicle passage while police attempt to negotiate.
President Arce addressed the nation on Sunday night, accusing Evo Morales of orchestrating the blockades. He claimed Morales aimed to shorten his term and stage a coup to impose his own presidential candidacy. Arce’s allegations highlight the growing rift within the Movement for Socialism (MAS) party.
More:
https://www.riotimesonline.com/bolivias-political-turmoil-arce-and-morales-clash-amid-national-blockade/
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‘March to Save Bolivia’: Ex-President Morales challenges former ally and incumbent President Arce in political showdown.
Bolivia's former President Morales leads a march against Bolivia's President Arce and his government
Hundreds of people take part in the so-called 'March to Save Bolivia' against leftist leader Luis Arce, on September 17, 2024. [Photo by Aizar Raldes / AFP]
Published On 17 Sep 2024
17 Sep 2024
A simmering political battle between former allies is threatening to boil over into an all-out struggle for power after Bolivia’s popular and controversial former leftist president, Evo Morales, called on supporters to take to the streets in protest against current President Luis Arce.
Morales announced a weeklong “March to Save Bolivia” on Monday after Arce accused him on national TV of trying to overthrow his government in a coup attempt.
The march quickly descended into violence when followers of each politician clashed along the route, leaving 26 people injured, including bone fractures and other wounds, according to the Ministry of Health.
Morales and more than 5,000 supporters set out on the seven-day journey Tuesday but were soon met in the small town of Vila Vila by approximately 1,000 Arce supporters who blocked their way.
Earlier, antigovernment protesters blocked roads on the outskirts of the capital, La Paz, calling for Arce’s resignation due to his mismanagement of the economy.
More:
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/9/17/bolivia-braces-for-turmoil-as-antigovernment-protesters-begin-march