Ecuador is presently engulfed in upheaval as President Daniel Noboa’s administration has recently imposed a state of emergency amid escalating protests and road blockades through ten provinces. Protests have been shaking the country for two weeks after the government acted unilaterally and abruptly withdrew the fuel subsidy. This policy shift led to steep rises in diesel prices, triggering protests across the country. Noboa’s administration has had to mediate increasing tensions, including violent protests met with excessive use of force leading to civilian deaths and hundreds of arrests.
The protests were most recently ignited when President Noboa removed the fuel subsidy. The diesel price spike reflected that reality, with wholesale diesel prices skyrocketing from $1.80 to $2.80 per gallon. This move sparked a storm of protests, especially from the country’s largest Indigenous tribe, who marched to counter the government’s controversial action. In response to the unrest, Noboa stated, “Those who act like criminals will be treated as criminals,” emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach to violence.
When President Noboa signed the deal on August 18, he wasn’t in Ecuador—he was in Brasilia, Brazil, while the crisis deepened at home. His administration tallied almost 100 detentions over the course of the demonstrations, including uniformed military members who were detained only to be released shortly thereafter. The unrest has so far resulted in the death of one civilian and more than a dozen others injured amid clashes between police and protesters.
One of the demands from protesters has been the release of detainees, including 13 people charged with terrorism. Tania de ministerio de gobierno Zaida Rovira “Ecuador está cansado de la violencia”. Her words are a chilling reminder of the federal government’s priorities during major crises. Edgar Lama, president of the Social Security Board, stated, “There is nothing to discuss with a minority that seeks to impose its will through violence,” illustrating the government’s unwillingness to negotiate under pressure.
Despite continued protests and demands for negotiation, President Noboa is adamant on his approach. He’s not going to walk back the cut to the unsustainable, budget-busting fuel subsidy. As anti-government demonstrations rage on, pro-government activities go on unabated – such as this art fair opening that was attended by ministers and officials from Noboa’s administration.
