Bolivian armed forces have taken over the capital’s central sq. as an armoured car rammed via the doorway of the presidential palace, igniting fears of a navy coup.
The nation’s president, Luis Arce, warned that an “irregular” deployment of troops had taken place and known as for “democracy to be revered” on X as Bolivian TV confirmed two tanks and numerous troopers in entrance of the federal government palace in La Paz.
Video on Bolivian TV confirmed Mr Arce confronting the final commander of the military, Juan Jose Zuniga, within the palace hallway, telling him: “I’m your captain, and I order you to withdraw your troopers, and I can’t enable this insubordination.”
An armoured car rams into the door of the presidential palace. Pic: AP
Earlier than getting into the constructing Mr Zuniga instructed journalists within the plaza: “Absolutely quickly there might be a brand new cupboard of ministers; our nation, our state can’t go on like this.”
Mr Zuniga mentioned he recognises President Arce as commander in chief “for now”.
Army police stand amid tear fuel exterior the presidential palace. Pic: AP
Former Bolivian president Evo Morales denounced the motion of the navy within the Murillo sq. exterior the palace in a publish on X, calling it a coup “within the making”.
Mr Zuniga earlier confirmed the motion of uniformed officers and mentioned: “We’re upset by the affront, sufficient is sufficient.”
He spoke on TV of “assaults on democracy” with out elaborating.
Maria Nela Prada, minister of the presidency and a high Bolivian official, mentioned navy and tanks have been taking up the plaza, calling it an “tried coup d’etat”.
“The persons are on alert to defend democracy,” she instructed native tv station Pink Uno.
Bolivia has confronted mounting protests in latest months over the steep decline of its financial system over the past 20 years.
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