Thousands of Ecuadorians have taken to the streets across the country in rejection of a recent increase in fuel prices, which far exceeds the current prices in the world market. The protests are the largest anti-government protests in the five months of Lasso’s administration

The primary demands of the trade unions and social organizations include the immediate discontinuation of the neoliberal measure in force since last year, which increases the price of petrol and diesel on a monthly basis, and the cessation of privatization of strategic resources and sectors

Trade unions and social organizations demand annulment of presidential decrees that increase the price of petrol and diesel on a monthly basis, among other claims

The law seeks to increase the budget for the education sector, guarantee inclusive and quality public education, increase the basic salary of teachers, re-employ teachers fired or dismissed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, among other measures

Five days out from the second round of elections in Ecuador, Peoples Dispatch brings you a report on some of the key elements to look out for this week

Ecuador’s presidential candidate Yaku Pérez supported coups in Bolivia, Brazil, Venezuela, and Nicaragua. His US-backed party Pachakutik and supposedly “left-wing” environmentalist campaign is being promoted by right-wing corporate lobbyists.

The neoliberal government of President Lenín Moreno announced a budget cut of around 100 million USD in the public higher education sector in response to the economic crisis aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic in the country

To justify the budget cuts and reductions in public servant’s salaries, Moreno argued that drop in oil prices and the Covid-19 outbreak have placed the country in a critical situation

Following 12 days of massive protests, the government of Lenín Moreno repealed Decree 883 which formalized neoliberal reforms. At the same time, it launched a crackdown on political opponents

Repression against protesters in Ecuador continues and will likely intensify with the decree of the curfew and militarization in Quito

The heavy-handed response of the Ecuadorian police and military to the massive mobilizations in the country has already cost eight lives with hundreds suffering grave injuries