Bolivia's President Arce denies orchestrating a coup to boost his popularity, dismissing accusations from General Zúñiga as lies, while supporters rally and international condemnation mounts.

In a country where coup attempts are almost as routine as morning coffee, President Luis Arce has vehemently rejected claims by General Juan José Zúñiga that he staged a 'self-coup' to shore up waning public support. Despite rallying cries from his devout supporters outside the presidential palace and a cacophony of international disapproval, skepticism remains rife among Bolivians and political analysts. As 17 individuals remain behind bars and whispers of political theatrics swirl, Arce continues to face scrutiny amidst a backdrop of economic woes and lingering tensions with former President Evo Morales.

The turbulence in Bolivia escalated when General Juan José Zúñiga accused President Arce of orchestrating the mutiny to boost his popularity. Zúñiga claimed the president's move aimed to distract the public from the pressing economic issues. According to his narrative, Arce acted as the puppet master of the rebellion, an allegation Arce and his cabinet staunchly deny. It seems, in Zúñiga's mind, Arce's plan was a bit like trying to put out a fire with a bucket of gasoline.

The coup attempt was marked by dramatic scenes reminiscent of a high-stakes thriller. Military forces seized control of the capital's main square and stormed the presidential palace, only to retreat hours later. Arce, in a showdown with Zúñiga, ordered the troops to stand down, ending what could have been another bloody chapter in Bolivia's turbulent political history without a drop of bloodshed.

This recent turbulence comes hot on the heels of months of mounting tensions between Arce and Bolivia’s former President Evo Morales. In a twist of events, the mutiny followed an intense meeting where Arce allegedly sacked Zúñiga for threatening to arrest Morales, escalating the tension to a boiling point.

President Arce’s supporters weren’t about to sit idly by. They gathered in a display of unwavering loyalty outside the presidential palace, chanting slogans and offering political backing to their embattled leader. Their fervor, however, did little to quell the waves of skepticism and speculation washing over the political landscape. It seems their chants didn’t quite hit the 'mute' button on the critics.

The aftermath saw 17 individuals, including military officers, arrested in connection with the coup attempt. Bolivia’s Justice Minister Iván Lima was quick to dismiss Zúñiga’s accusations as 'lies,' aligning with the government's firm stance on the issue. Despite pronouncements from the highest offices, the cloud of doubt lingers like an unwanted guest at a party.

Bolivians and political analysts alike are divided over the incident, with many entertaining the possibility that Arce staged the coup. This skepticism is not entirely unfounded; Bolivia holds the dubious distinction of having more coup attempts than any other country since the 1950s. The past shadows might be influencing the present spectacle, making every political twist seem like deja vu.

Meanwhile, the international community chimed in with condemnation from across the political spectrum. The European Union, Russia, the U.S., and other countries expressed their disapproval of the coup attempt. Such a broad consensus underscored the gravity of the situation, although Arce’s government hardly needed reminding of the delicate tightrope it was walking on. One might say that the only thing spanning the political spectrum more broadly than the condemnation was Arce's search for a good night's sleep recently.

Adding to the stew of complications are the economic troubles, which have been gnawing at President Arce’s administration since its inception. Public discontent has been brewing, with many citizens disillusioned by the government's handling of financial matters. The coup attempt, whether orchestrated or not, threw these economic woes into even sharper relief, exacerbating the president’s already fraught relationship with the populace.

In this climate of distrust and uncertainty, political stability in Bolivia seems like a mirage on the horizon. The bloodless conclusion of the mutiny at the end of the business day provided only a temporary reprieve. As Arce continues to navigate these choppy waters, his next steps will be crucial in determining whether he can restore confidence in his leadership or if the whisperings of a 'self-coup' will continue to haunt his presidency.