The week that was in Ecuador
Protests and clashes erupted in Ecuador a week ago, after the government doubled fuel prices. Thousands of people gathered for a major demonstration in the capital, Quito, on Wednesday. Here is a recap of the week of unrest.
SUBSIDIES SCRAPPED
On October 1, President Lenín Moreno announces the end of government subsidies that were keeping down fuel prices, heralding price hikes of up to 123%. The measure is among reforms agreed with the IMF that will allow indebted Ecuador to borrow $4.2bn.
The same day, Ecuador announces it will withdraw from oil cartel Opec in January as part of plans to “generate new income”. The government had already complained that Opec would not allow it to raise its production quota.
STATE OF EMERGENCY
Protests start on October 2 with about 300 people massing at the central bank in the capital. Some demand Moreno’s resignation. There are clashes at mass protests on October 3, when the price hikes come into force. Police fire tear gas at crowds, who hurl stones and fire bombs in central Quito.
About 30 people are wounded and dozens arrested for “vandalism”. Moreno declares a state of emergency “to avoid chaos”.
The strike extends into October 4 and there are more clashes, injuries and arrests.
PEOPLE MOBILISE
On October 5, indigenous people and farmers block major roads around the country.
On October 6 the government announces that a man died after being run over at a protest in the south. Roads are blocked in about half of the country’s 24 provinces. Indigenous protesters, some armed with sticks and whips, begin heading to the capital aboard pick-up trucks and on foot for a demonstration called for Wednesday.
OILFIELDS SEIZED
On October 7, hundreds of indigenous people and farmers gather near parliament. There are clashes near the government headquarters in the capital as well as in the town of Machachi, on the outskirts of Quito.
The energy ministry announces that protesters have seized three oilfields in the Amazon region. Production had been suspended, causing a major drop in national production.
Addressing the nation, Moreno accuses his predecessor, Rafael Correa, and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of attempting to mount a coup.
He moves his government headquarters to the coastal city of Guayaquil.
ECUADOR ANNOUNCES IT WILL WITHDRAW FROM OPEC IN JANUARY AS PART OF PLANS TO GENERATE INCOME
PARLIAMENT STORMED
Thousands of indigenous people reach Quito on October 8, some camping in parks or in occupied buildings.
Protesters later break into the Congress building but are evicted by security forces.
Moreno orders an overnight curfew to protect public buildings.
Correa, in exile in Belgium, denies a coup attempt but calls for early elections. Seven Latin American countries express backing for Moreno.