The Brewing Crisis in Bolivia: A Power Struggle Between Arce and Morales
Bolivia has been a powder keg for weeks now, with the confrontation between President Luis Arce’s government and former president Evo Morales precipitating a crisis comparable in magnitude only to Morales’ overthrow in November 2019. The most visible aspect of the conflict is the standoff of the indigenous leader against a barrage of judicial resolutions, ranging from the confirmation of his disqualification from running in presidential elections and the loss of control of the Movement for Socialism (MAS), the party he founded nearly three decades ago, to an arrest warrant for a case of sexual assault of a minor. However, underlying this is a widespread discontent with the current government, criticized for its handling of the economy, fuel and dollar shortages, and inflation.
The Standoff
Morales is trying to avoid arrest by seeking refuge in the coca-growing bastion of Chapare. There, groups of peasants took over military barracks for hours, intensified protests, and blocked roads until transport across the country was paralyzed. Arce, who was once an ally of Morales, has completely severed ties with his former mentor. He is now his main adversary and is unwilling to give an inch of ground.
A Different Power Struggle
The power struggle facing Morales now is vastly different from the one that led to his ousting five years ago, following elections, at the hands of right-wing and far-right sectors. The leader who then assumed the interim presidency, Jeanine Áñez, is currently in jail for leading that uprising. Once again, the conflict revolves around the coca leader, who aims to return to the helm. The Bolivian constitution stipulates that an elected official cannot hold office in the executive branch for more than 10 years consecutively or non-consecutively. Morales far exceeded that limit by ruling from 2006 to 2019, and in 2019, he ran for the presidency despite losing a popular referendum on reelection. His candidacy was only made possible because a court controlled by his party allowed it.
The Escalating Crisis
With these dynamics in play, the former president has declared war on Arce and is prepared to resist. He even went on a hunger strike to draw attention to what he perceives as persecution. Morales’ aggressive stance has exacerbated the crisis, bringing it to the brink of a civil conflict. However, the current president, who faced a military coup attempt in June, must now work to de-escalate tensions and urgently address the population’s economic demands. The risk of the situation spiraling out of control, leading to chaos in large parts of the country, is very real. The government must act promptly, setting aside internal power struggles.
Conclusion
The power struggle in Bolivia between Arce and Morales has plunged the country into a deep crisis, with political tensions running high and the risk of civil conflict looming large. As both sides dig in their heels, the need for swift and decisive action to address economic woes and prevent further escalation is paramount. The future stability of Bolivia hangs in the balance, dependent on how the government navigates this turbulent period.
FAQs
What is the root cause of the crisis in Bolivia?
The crisis in Bolivia stems from the power struggle between President Luis Arce and former president Evo Morales, exacerbated by economic challenges and political tensions.
What are the main issues fueling the conflict?
- Judicial resolutions against Morales
- Economic mismanagement by the current government
- Fuel and dollar shortages
- Inflation
What is at stake in Bolivia’s current situation?
The stability of the country, the resolution of the power struggle, and the ability to address economic concerns and prevent further escalation towards civil conflict are all at stake in Bolivia’s current crisis.