☀ Domingo Brief — Bolivia’s Failed Coup

Each Sunday, take two minutes to catch key stories and opportunities shaping Latin America.

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Welcome back to the Domingo Brief! This week, we’re following Colombian interest rates, China-Peru trade negotiations, and more.

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Trivia of the Week

Just over a third of you (35%) correctly guessed that Colón has the largest special economic zone (SEZ) in Latin America. Indeed, the Colón Free Trade Zone is the largest free port in the Americas, and the second-largest worldwide. It is dedicated to the reexport of goods and merchandise from around the world to throughout the greater Latin America and the Caribbean region.

Each week, tune back in for the answer to the previous week’s trivia question. No cheating!

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Just a reminder that applications close today for the Reto de Innovación en Proyectos Verdes (Green Investment Innovation Contest). This competition seeks startups which lead innovation in sustainable infrastructure, offer unique tourist experiences, and generate positive impacts for the Latin American economy.

Don’t forget to send off your application today!

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🇧🇴 Bolivia thwarted an attempted military coup this week led by Juan José Zúñiga, head of the Bolivian Army, with President Luis Arce, the entire political spectrum, and the international community all condemning Zúñiga’s attempt to rupture the democratic order. The whole affair lasted just over three hours, and involved dissident army officers occupying the central plaza of the capital city of La Paz, Plaza Murillo, where they faced off against law enforcement and protestors mobilized by the government and the massive Bolivian Workers' Center trade union federation. Zúñiga and his chief allies even had a face-to-face confrontation with President Arce, who told them to stand down before eventually appointing their replacements to restore order.

Latinometrics: So what happened here? Well, this attempted putsch comes as Bolivia deals with an impending financial crisis and a dearth of foreign reserves, as well as a political deadlock between Arce and his former mentor, hugely popular ex-president Evo Morales (2006-2019). General Zúñiga claimed Monday night that the army would arrest Morales if he attempted to run for reelection next year, but was promptly dismissed from his position for these comments the next day. Subsequently, Wednesday morning the coup attempt was launched, but notably faced immediate opposition from even President Arce, who is the chief Morales rival today.