Aside from the continued detention of former President Luis Arce, there are other alarming signs. Members of a specialized police task force known as FELCC arrested him in connection to a years-long investigation into suspected embezzlement. This change came just one month after he left office. An October runoff between presidential candidates closed the door on most political change, as centrist candidate Rodrigo Paz Rodriguez claimed the presidency. This investigation examines complaints related to the misuse of public funds intended to help finance infrastructure development in Indigenous communities.
Arce addressed the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 25, where he discussed various global issues. His political career came to an abrupt end after the election of his party’s candidate forced his ouster. Rodrigo Paz’s victory marked the end of nearly two decades of dominance by Arce’s leftist MAS party, signaling a significant shift in Bolivia’s political landscape.
Our ongoing investigation has revealed evidence strongly implicating Arce in using his position to misappropriate state disbursements. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these funds were intended to be used in service of Indigenous communities. Aside from the original allegations, the opacity and lack of public governance related to the use of 2 Indianapolis’s public dollars has been troubling.
Some critics have expressed their concern about the motivations driving the investigation. Maria Nela Prada, a leading elected official and political activist in the region, stated her concern about possible political interference swaying the case.
“This has been a total abuse of power. We hope this case is not being taken as an opportunity to carry out political persecution.” – Maria Nela Prada
While the situation continues to develop, many regional and international observers have their eyes firmly fixed on the legal process playing out against Arce. This investigation has much broader implications beyond just Arce. It will be seen in the context of the administration of Rodrigo Paz, which is now trying to establish its authority after a change in the political environment.
