Former Bolivian President Arrested in Corruption Probe

Bolivian authorities have arrested former president Luis Arce as part of a widening corruption investigation linked to his time as economy minister, the government announced on Wednesday.

Arce, 62, did not seek re-election in the August presidential race. The election was won by Rodrigo Paz, son of former president Jaime Paz Zamora, who governed Bolivia between 1989 and 1993.

Paz’s victory marked a major political shift in the country, ending nearly two decades of dominance by the Movement for Socialism party. The party was founded and led for 26 years by Evo Morales, who served as president from 2006 to 2019, and whose political path Arce continued.

Arce’s presidency was marred by severe crises, including shortages of fuel and foreign currency, which sparked nationwide protests.

The corruption investigation focuses on Arce’s period as economy minister under Morales. Prosecutors allege that Arce authorised transfers from the state treasury into personal accounts belonging to political figures. Among those accused of benefiting is former left-wing lawmaker Lidia Patty, who was arrested last week on suspicion of receiving around $100,000 for a tomato-farming project.

Sources within the public prosecutor’s office told AFP that Arce is expected to face charges of dereliction of duty and economic misconduct.

On Wednesday, Vice President Edmundo Lara stated that the government intends to recover every misappropriated sum, saying that anyone who stole from the country would be forced to return “every last cent.”