Bolivian President Luis Arce said on social media platform X that members of the Bolivian military gathered outside the presidential palace on Wednesday in what appeared to be an attempt by a general to take over the government building.
Former President Evo Morales claimed a “coup” was underway.
“Currently, armed forces personnel and tanks are deployed in Plaza Murillo,” he said on social media. “Let us call on social movements in rural and urban areas to defend democracy.”
Standing at the palace gates Wednesday afternoon, surrounded by members of the armed forces, General Juan José Zuniga claimed that the Bolivian army, air force and navy were “mobilized.”
“The police force is also with us,” he said in La Paz, the country’s administrative capital.
Ministers were meeting inside when the troops arrived. On the X, Arce, a left-wing figure and Morales’ handpicked successor, denounced the effort.
“Democracy must be respected,” he said. It was not initially clear whether Mr Arce was at the palace.
Local news media reported that General Zuniga was fired this week, which some in the country believe was related to his comments about Morales.
