Members of BoliviaтАЩs military gathered on Wednesday outside the presidential palace, the countryтАЩs president, Luis Arce, said on the social media platform X, in what appeared to be an attempt by a general to take over the government building.
Former President Evo Morales claimed that a тАЬcoup,тАЭ was underway.
тАЬAt this time, personnel from the Armed Forces and tanks are deployed in Plaza Murillo,тАЭ he said on social media. тАЬLetтАЩs call on the social movements of the countryside and the city to defend democracy.тАЭ
Standing on the doorstep of the palace on Wednesday afternoon and surrounded by members of the armed forces, the general, Juan Jos├й Z├║├▒iga, claimed that the Bolivian Army, air force and navy were тАЬmobilized.тАЭ
тАЬThe police force is also with us,тАЭ he said in La Paz, the countryтАЩs administrative capital.
Ministers were holding a meeting inside when the military arrived. On X, Mr. Arce, a leftist and the handpicked successor of Mr. Morales, denounced the effort.
тАЬDemocracy must be respected,тАЭ he said. It was initially unclear if Mr. Arce was in the palace.
Local news media had reported that General Zu├▒iga was dismissed from his position this week, which some in the country believed to be related to remarks he made about Mr. Morales.
