Bolivian authorities have apprehended the orchestrator of an attempted coup just hours after soldiers stormed the presidential palace in La Paz. Armored vehicles and troops had initially taken positions around Murillo Square, a central location for key government buildings, but later retreated. The rebel leader, General Juan José Zúñiga, had expressed a desire to "restructure democracy" and initially respected President Luis Arce, but hinted at a future change in government. He is now under arrest.

President Arce condemned the coup attempt, urging the public to "organize and mobilize in favor of democracy." In a televised address from the presidential palace, he emphasized the need to prevent further coup attempts that could endanger lives. This message resonated, leading to pro-democracy demonstrations in support of the government.

Arce also announced the appointment of new military commanders, following reports of Gen Zúñiga's dismissal due to his public criticism of former President Evo Morales. Morales himself condemned the coup attempt, calling for criminal charges against Zúñiga and his associates. The public prosecutor's office has launched a criminal investigation into the incident, which appears to be an isolated and short-lived military uprising rather than a broader power struggle.

Despite this, the government now appears more vulnerable, potentially inviting future attempts to unseat Arce through political means rather than military force. Arce can rely on the support of Evo Morales, a significant figure in Bolivia's leftist politics. Morales has called on his supporters, particularly among the indigenous coca-growers, to rally against the coup attempt. This popular support likely bolstered resistance to Zúñiga's plans, which included freeing political prisoners like former leader Jeanine Áñez.

Gen Zúñiga had previously appeared on television from Murillo Square, accusing an elite of destroying the country and vowing to "recover this homeland." He was dismissed after stating he would arrest Morales if he attempted to run for office again, despite Morales being barred from doing so. Although Arce and Morales have had their differences recently, they stand united against the use of military force for political change.

In 2019, Morales himself was ousted by military leaders who accused him of election manipulation, leading to his exile in Mexico. Before Morales' rise to power in 2005, Bolivia experienced significant political volatility. His tenure brought relative stability until its controversial end.

Arce, elected after a period of instability post-2019 election, likely finds reassurance in the swift regional response. Left-wing governments in Venezuela and Colombia quickly condemned the coup attempt, advocating for democracy. The U.S. also called for calm. Even Bolivians opposing Arce's socialist policies are likely against a return to past eras where military coups with severe human rights abuses overthrew democratically elected leaders.