The president of Bolivia, Luis Arce, faces a judicial process after being accused by Brenda Lafuente, former director of the Mining Administrative Jurisdiction Authority (AJAM), of failure to provide family support and abandonment of a pregnant woman. Lafuente, 32 years old, claims that Arce is the father of her baby born in December, the fruit of a romantic relationship. The president appeared to testify before the Cochabamba Public Prosecutor's Office, where he will be allowed to defend himself at liberty. The case is under seal, although Lafuente has requested that it be lifted so he can share his version, as he alleges leaks from the Public Prosecutor's Office. Lafuente stated that the relationship began in 2023, after he left his post, and claims that Arce has denied his paternity and has avoided contact.
The DNA test to determine paternity was suspended because the president was not present at the initial summons, causing Lafuente to oppose carrying it out without him. The complainant demands guarantees that there will be no manipulation of the evidence, given the alleged influence of those in power over the process. Lafuente also claims that facing the 'most powerful man in the country' has brought him social and economic violence, alleging that Arce used his office to threaten his job security. This case adds to other scandals in which Arce has been involved, amid political tensions with Evo Morales, and witness testimony is expected in the coming days.
Read the full news article on The Country.
