Arce accuses Evo Morales of undermining Bolivia’s democracy as he ends his presidency: Video
In his final address to the nation, Bolivia’s outgoing president, Luis Arce, delivered a striking rebuke of his former ally Evo Morales, accusing him of refusing to accept new leadership within the ruling Movement Towards Socialism (MAS-IPSP).
Arce claimed that Morales “never tolerated that I was not a puppet” and that his actions had “terrible consequences” for the country’s social peace and economy.
Speaking from the Casa Grande del Pueblo in La Paz, Arce reflected on his administration’s achievements and offered an apology to the Bolivian people for the difficulties faced under his government. He insisted that every effort had been made to confront the challenges of recent years “with determination and honesty”.
The president said the internal rifts within MAS began when Morales sought to maintain control of the party and prevent its democratisation, asserting that Bolivia’s left needed to “return power to social organisations” rather than allow it to revolve around a single figure. Arce also recalled the June 2024 coup attempt, saying he leaves office “through the main door and with his head held high”.
His speech marks the end of an era: nearly two decades of MAS dominance in Bolivian politics. The party suffered a historic defeat in the August election, with its candidate winning just over three per cent of the vote — a result that analysts see as a reflection of the deep divisions within Bolivia’s once-unified left.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
