Bolivian President Morales Resigns Amid Protests & Pressure from Military

Riyaz Patel

Bolivian President Evo Morales has resigned after nearly 14 years in power, shortly after the military ‘urged’ him to do so.

The head of the army had called on him to step down following protests over his election win.

He said he was leaving to help protect families of political allies, after their homes were burned down.

“I resign from my position as president so that (Carlos) Mesa and (Luis Fernando) Camacho do not continue to persecute socialist leaders,” Morales said during a televised address, mentioning the leaders of the opposition.

The democratically-elected socialist President of Bolivia, Evo Morales, has been forced to resign after threats from the military in a US-backed coup. A tragedy for socialists the world over. We must unite in defence of Bolivia against this assault against their democracy.
— Chris Williamson #GTTO (@DerbyChrisW) November 10, 2019