Bolivian general suggests president staged a self-coup to increase his popularity

Bolivian general Juan José Zúñiga suggested on Wednesday that the failed coup in the country was actually orchestrated by President Luis Arce as an attempt to boost his popularity while the country goes through a grave economic crisis.

Speaking to press after being arrested, Zúñiga said he had a conversation with Arce during the weekend in which he told him they needed to do something this week to counter the situation. The government categorically rejected the statement.

According to Infobae, Zúñiga has been accused of corruption on numerous occasions, including stealing money from the army. He was also accused of drug trafficking during the Evo Morales administration by another general, who was suspended without explanation after doing so. And former President Morales himself said he was behind a "dark plan" that sought to destabilize him while in office.

Zúñiga attracted world attention on Wednesday after a standoff with President Arce at the presidential palace itself. In a moment of high drama, captured by witnesses in the palace hallway, Arce declared, "I am your captain, and I order you to withdraw your soldiers. I will not allow this insubordination."

Television footage broadcast nationwide showed two tanks and numerous soldiers in military uniforms positioned outside the government building. The scene was chaotic, with uncertainty hanging in the air. However, as the day progressed, troops and armored vehicles were seen retreating from their positions, signaling a de-escalation of the immediate threat. Zuñiga said he was seeking to "change the government's cabinet.

When asked about what was going on, he explained that the army was trying to "restore democracy and free our political prisoners." He was dressed in full military garb and surrounded by friendly soldiers.

Supporters of President Arce swiftly mobilized, flooding into the plaza outside the Quemado, the government palace. They could be seen waving Bolivian flags and chanting in support of democracy and his government.

In a statement following the confrontation, Arce affirmed his commitment to democracy and the rule of law. "Bolivia stands firm against attacks on our democracy. We will not be swayed by violence or intimidation," he declared.

Arce swore in new military leaders amid the attempted coup. That includes the position of the general commander of the army, previously held by Juan José Zúñiga.

New army chief José Wilson Sánchez ordered all mobilized troops to return to their barracks. "No one wants the images we're seeing in the streets," he said.