Bolivia’s left wing is at war with itself

Mmeals of the Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS) used to be soporific. Not anymore. Today they erupt into brawls, with bottles and chairs floating over the melee before being broken up with tear gas.

The change reflects a rift at the top of Bolivia’s ruling party, where President Luis Arce and Evo Morales, a former holder of the post, are vying to lead the government. MAS to next year’s elections. It has paralyzed the government, divided the indigenous and labor groups that form the party’s base, and given the opposition a taste of real power for the first time in almost two decades.