Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, a politically conservative 37-year-old banana fortune heir, is under siege from growing street protests. These protests were worsened after his questionable move of cutting the diesel subsidy from September 12. This step is included in a more general economic plan that would increase the value-added tax from 12 percent to 15 percent. Citizens are taking to the streets in extreme protest, particularly Indigenous communities who are dealing with CONAIE as a representative, resulting in national turmoil. Noboa started his second term in May, having won 52 percent of the vote in Imbabura province. Now, he needs to tackle some of the negative consequences of his green fiscal expansionism.
To put it mildly, the protests have gone explosive. Demonstrators went so far as to ambush Noboa’s motorcade by throwing stones at his car. Fortunately, he emerged unharmed from the incident. Noboa has mobilized military troops throughout the capital. He doesn’t want to see public order undermined by vandalism during the chaos.
Economic Decisions Spark Outrage
Noboa’s administration continues to claim that these budget changes are necessary. Their goal is to produce additional revenue to address the increasing crime rates in Ecuador. He found the courage to eliminate the diesel subsidy and raise taxes. This drastic effort has brought much deserved backlash from an array of society’s sectors, particularly impacting those which are economically vulnerable.
Philip Elmer-DeWitt, political analyst for The Freedom Fund warned that Noboa shows “authoritarian tendencies” and does not want to hear from critics. He noted, “a president who assumes that after winning the elections he has all of the power at his disposal.”
Noboa has his hands full with the short-ceased restructuring of the executive branch. He has let thousands of government employees go, adding to the anger already raging among the people. Critics counter that these types of actions hit the most vulnerable citizens the hardest.
Protests Organized by Indigenous Groups
The protests led by CONAIE have continued to highlight an widespread and entrenched discontent among Indigenous peoples, who feel abandoned and targeted by state policies. Farith Simon described this sector as “uncompromising” and seeking to “co-govern through force,” illustrating the deep rift between these communities and Noboa’s administration.
As protests continue amid a climate of rising tensions, Noboa’s government has been taking criticism for its response to protests. There are new allegations of deadly use of force by security forces when facing protestors. In response to these criticisms, Noboa emphasized the importance of law and order, stating, “The law awaits those who choose violence. Those who act like criminals will be treated like criminals.”
These latest developments underscore a dramatic dance between governance and social justice in Ecuador. The Indigenous movement still demands that the government engage in real conversation and practices to assure their grievances are heard and redressed.
Government’s Response and Future Implications
Noboa’s new administration is under immediate pressure, with ongoing street protests. They need to balance concerns for public safety with responding to the public’s complaints. The deployment of military forces indicates a willingness to respond with extreme force to quash unrest. It is a threat to civil liberties and to the government’s commitment to proper democratic discourse.
As Noboa begins to try to lead this turbulent political situation, he must first overcome enormous challenges in bringing a split nation together. His choices in the weeks ahead will have lasting impact not just on his presidency, but on the social fabric of this deeply divided nation.
