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Crowds take to the streets of Ecuador’s capital to protest fuel price hike Quito On Sunday, tires were burned, roads were blocked and police officers were confronted, who fired tear gas. It was the latest confrontation in a series of testing nationwide demonstrations. chairman Daniel Noboa.
Ecuador’s largest indigenous organization had called the strike 21 days ago in response to the removal of fuel subsidies, which raised the price of diesel from $1.80 a gallon to $2.80.
The protests have often turned violent, with one civilian reported dead, dozens injured and more than a hundred people arrested so far in clashes with police. Noboa has imposed a state of emergency in 10 provinces, banning public gatherings in Quito and other areas. Last week, protesters attacked Noboa’s convoy with massive stones.
Since protests are largely concentrated in the country’s northern provinces, Sunday’s rally in Quito has put authorities on high alert. Thousands of police in riot gear arrived in the capital in recent days.
The latest demonstration also coincides with Interculturality and Plurinationality Day, Ecuador’s replacement of Columbus Day that recognizes its indigenous population rather than the Italian explorer’s arrival. of America In 1492.
Rising fuel prices particularly affect indigenous people who work in Ecuador’s vital agricultural, fishing and transportation sectors. President Noboa argued that the government needed to cut subsidies to the tune of $1.1 billion to strengthen the country’s fiscal position and combat rampant fuel smuggling across Ecuador’s borders into Colombia and Peru.
the protesters Sunday whistled and shouted “Noboa out, out!” As they headed north from southern Quito toward a park. Before they could reach the plaza, police officers on motorcycles dispersed the rally by firing tear gas into the crowd. No injuries were immediately reported.
“Different social sectors, indigenous movements, workers, youth, neighborhoods of Quito, the people of Ecuador, we are rising up against the neoliberal and hunger-inducing policies of dictator Noboa,” Nelson Erazo, a union leader at the rally, told The Associated Press. worker.
Noboa has visited several troubled areas and provided bonuses to cash-strapped farmers and public transport workers. But he has refused to negotiate with the Swadeshi Federation.