Background and Context
Luis Arce, the 62-year-old economist and current president of Bolivia, was expelled from his political party, the Movement Towards Socialism (MAS), just days before he steps down from power. The decision was announced by the party’s leadership on Thursday, accusing Arce of misappropriating party funds without accountability.
Arce rose to power in 2020, backed by the MAS, which was then led by former President Evo Morales. He became one of the party’s most prominent figures, though he faced a fierce struggle for control against Morales, his former ally, in the past year. Eventually, the party came under the influence of Arce and Morales resigned.
Reasons for Expulsion
Grover García, a representative of the party, stated during a press conference that Arce was expelled due to allegations of corruption within his government and his failure to address the ongoing economic crisis. Despite these accusations, Arce’s expulsion does not affect his presidential duties, which he will leave behind on the upcoming Saturday.
- Corruption Allegations: García accused Arce of misappropriating party funds without proper accounting.
- Economic Crisis: The party cited Arce’s inability to resolve Bolivia’s severe economic crisis, marked by a four-decade low in the availability of dollars and fuel.
García further mentioned that the party had suggested several solutions, which Arce failed to implement. The blame was placed on Arce’s weaknesses and those of some ministers.
Impact on Bolivia’s Political Landscape
Arce’s unpopularity played a significant role in the MAS suffering a crushing defeat in the recent elections, losing power after 20 years. The center-right senator Rodrigo Paz, the newly elected president, will succeed Arce and is expected to bring substantial changes to the current statist model.
Economic Challenges During Arce’s Presidency
Under Arce’s leadership, Bolivia experienced its worst economic crisis in four decades. The country faced severe shortages of dollars and fuel, which significantly impacted the economy. Despite these challenges, Arce chose not to implement the party’s suggested solutions, leading to his eventual expulsion from MAS.
