Bolivian President changes police leadership amid dispute with Evo Morales
Bolivia's top police officers were due to be sworn in at the start of the year, but disputes between Arce and Morales delayed promotions to general.
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Bolivian President Luis Arce on Monday changed his police leadership amid political tension over the marches and blockades carried out by supporters of former President Evo Morales to prevent his eventual capture.
Arce appointed General Augusto Russo as general commander of the police, and Guillermo Chacón as deputy commander. The new chiefs of the country’s nine departments were also announced.
During the event, the Minister of Government (Interior), Eduardo del Castillo, emphasized that the police ” has the constitutional mission ” of “defending the people from any threat that may threaten their integrity.”
The high command was due to be sworn in at the start of the year, but disputes in Congress between allies of Arce and Morales delayed promotions to general.
Political conflict in Bolivia
Both politicians are engaged in a fierce dispute over the ruling party’s presidential candidacy for the 2025 elections. The tension has been escalating.
Morales, who in mid-September led a massive protest against the government of his former minister, faces a probable arrest warrant from the prosecutor’s office , which is investigating him for the alleged abuse of a minor with whom he allegedly had a daughter in 2016.
On Monday, dozens of Morale’s supporters blocked important roads in the departments of Santa Cruz and Cochabamba – where the former president spends most of his time – to “protect the freedom, integrity and (prevent) the kidnapping” of their leader, according to a public manifesto.
The peasants have warned that they will blockade all of Bolivia as part of their indefinite protest.
