Failed Military Incursion in La Paz: What It Means for Bolivia’s Political Landscape

On June 26th at approximately 2:00 p.m., then-Commander General Juan Jose Zuniga led a group of soldiers and tankettes to break into the Murillo Square in La Paz, where the headquarters of the Executive and Legislative Powers are located. Zuniga’s goal was to “change the government cabinet,” “restore democracy,” and “release political prisoners.” This action came after he had been dismissed by Arce the day before for making unauthorized statements to the media.

During the incursion, images circulated worldwide of an armored car forcing open a door to the presidential palace. President Arce confronted Zuniga and ordered him to retreat before swearing in a new military leadership. Zuniga and his troops eventually evacuated the Murillo Square, and Zuniga was later arrested and sentenced to six months of preventive detention.

Following these events, Morales accused Arce of orchestrating a “self-coup” to improve his popularity. Arce denied these allegations, leading to a public dispute between the two political figures. The situation escalated as Morales announced plans for a new congress of his party, the Movement Towards Socialism (MAS), in which he intended to proclaim himself a presidential candidate for the 2025 elections.

The ongoing conflict between Morales and Arce is expected to lead to turbulence in Bolivia leading up to the 2025 elections. The decision regarding MAS candidacy may further complicate political landscape as it could lead division within party members which could favor opposition parties win chance if their vote is divided between Morales and Arce but final outcome remains uncertain due evolving dynamics of political power in Bolivia that set stage for contentious electoral campaign leading up 2025 elections.

Despite heightened political tensions it is unlikely that another military uprising will occur in Bolivia as armed forces facing accusations of being manipulated are unlikely to get involved again, this failed attempt on June 26th was not considered coup by many observers due staged nature of event leading skepticism among various political figures