In Bolivia, the president denounces a “coup d’état” after the deployment of armed soldiers in front of the presidential palace

Bolivian President Luis Arce called, Wednesday June 26, for mobilization against a “Rebellion”hours after armed soldiers and armored vehicles took up positions in front of the presidential palace in La Paz, the capital of Bolivia. “The Bolivian people are called today, we need the Bolivian people to organize and mobilize against the coup”the president said in a video message to the nation from the presidential palace, alongside his ministers.

This message comes as the situation is confused in La Paz: the president also mentioned “irregular movements of certain units of the Bolivian army”, as troops and army vehicles were positioned around the presidential palace. “A coup d’état is being prepared”for his part warned on X Evo Morales, who led the country between 2006 and 2019.

Social media images taken by residents show army units advancing through the streets in close ranks, and armored vehicles, as well as a tank, parked in Murillo Square, where soldiers were seen marching to enter the Palacio Quemado, the seat of the presidency. According to Bolivian television, the head of the army, General Zuniga, briefly entered the presidential palace.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called for “respect democracy and the rule of law” in Bolivia, while Claudia Sheinbaum, president of Mexico, condemned “firmly condemn these events. Our unconditional support for President Luis Arce and his people.” Josep Borrell, head of European diplomacy, wrote on “The European Union condemns any attempt to disrupt the constitutional order in Bolivia and overthrow democratically elected governments.”