Members of Bolivia’s military gathered on Wednesday outside the presidential palace, the country’s 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 “coup,” was underway.
“At this time, personnel from the Armed Forces and tanks are deployed in Plaza Murillo,” he said on social media. “Let’s call on the social movements of the countryside and the city to defend democracy.”
Standing on the doorstep of the palace on Wednesday afternoon and surrounded by members of the armed forces, the general, Juan José Zúñiga, 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 holding a meeting inside when the military arrived. On X, Mr. Arce, a leftist and the handpicked successor of Mr. Morales, denounced the effort.
“Democracy must be respected,” he said. It was initially unclear if Mr. Arce was in the palace.
Local news media had reported that General Zuñiga was dismissed from his position this week, which some in the country believed to be related to remarks he made about Mr. Morales.