Protests Against Ecuadorian President Lasso to Continue
Nationwide protests against Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso are expected to continue today.
The demonstrations commenced Monday after the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE) organized mass mobilization throughout the country protesting the economic policies of the current administration. Despite a $6.5 billion IMF loan, expected economic growth of 3.5% in 2022 and unemployment expected to decrease to 4.2%, many protesters feel government policies have neglected their economic interests.
Indigenous and social organizations have demanded 10 concessions from the government, including freezing fuel price increases, halting additional oil and mining development, and improving employment and social security for indigenous people.
The protests come as Ecuador’s National Assembly approved legislation this month that allowed the use of progressive force by security forces and proposed legal mechanisms to protect them. Human Rights organizations have condemned the legislation fearing it could lead to increased military responses to social protests and greater protection for police misconduct.
If protests result in infrastructure blockades, disrupt oil installations or halt COVID-19 recovery plans, expect an increased police response. Moreover, the new legislation will likely lead to increases in violent reactions from security forces causing greater political and economic instability into the long-term.
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