Bolivia Arrests Former President Luis Arce in Corruption Probe

Bolivian authorities have arrested former President Luis Arce in connection with a corruption investigation, sparking a significant development in the country's political landscape. Arce, who served as economy minister in the government of former President Evo Morales from 2006 to 2019, was taken into custody on Wednesday by a special police force dedicated to investigating high-profile corruption cases. The arrest comes just a month after the inauguration of conservative President Rodrigo Paz, who ended 20 years of socialist rule in the country. According to Marco Antonio Oviedo, a senior official in Paz's government, Arce faces charges of breach of duty and financial misconduct related to the alleged embezzlement of public funds from a state-run fund. Authorities estimate that around 700 million dollars were diverted from the fund during Arce's tenure as economy minister. The arrest has sent shockwaves through Bolivia's political establishment, with many questioning the timing and motivations behind the move. Critics of the Paz administration argue that the arrest is a politically motivated attempt to undermine the legacy of Morales and his socialist government. However, supporters of the new government see the move as a necessary step towards rooting out corruption and ensuring accountability. The investigation into Arce's alleged wrongdoing began several months ago, but it was only after Paz's inauguration that the case gained momentum. The new president has made combating corruption a key priority of his administration, and the arrest of Arce is seen as a significant victory in this effort. Bolivia's top court has ordered the release of several high-ranking officials in the Morales government in recent months, citing lack of evidence and due process. However, the arrest of Arce suggests that the Paz administration is committed to pursuing corruption cases, even if it means targeting prominent figures from the previous government. As the investigation into Arce's alleged corruption continues, the country is bracing for a potentially tumultuous period in its politics. The former president's supporters are expected to protest his arrest, while the Paz administration is likely to face criticism from opponents who see the move as an overreach of power.