2022 Ecuadorian protests
{{Short description|2022 protests in Ecuador}}
{{Infobox civil conflict
| title = 2022 Ecuador protests
National Strike ({{lang|es|Paro Nacional}})
| partof = 2021–2023 global energy crisis and the economic impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine
| image = 13er día de manifestaciones, Paro Nacional 2022.png
| caption = Protests seen on 25 June 2022
| date = {{start date|df=yes|2022|06|13}} – {{end date|df=yes|2022|06|30}}
| place =
| coordinates =
| causes = *Inflation due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine
- Economic policies of Guillermo Lasso
| goals = * Price reductions
- Resignation of Guillermo Lasso
| methods = * General strike
- March on Quito
| status =
| result = * Failed impeachment of Guillermo Lasso
- National food and fuel shortages
| side3 =
| side4 =
| side1 = {{flagicon image|National Standard of Ecuador.svg}} Government
- {{flagicon image|Comando Conjunto FFAA Ecuador.jpg}} Armed Forces of Ecuador
- {{flagicon image|Escudo Policia Nacional Ecuador.jpg}} National Police of Ecuador
- {{flagicon image|Flag of Quito.svg}} Municipality of Quito
- {{flagicon image|Bandera de Guayaquil.svg}} Municipality of Guayaquil
| side2 = {{flagicon|Ecuador}} Opposition
- Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE)
- Pueblo Montubio del Ecuador
- Fenocin
- Feine
- Frente Popular
- FUT
- UNE
- FEUE
- FESE
- CUBE
- FEI
- Fenabe
- Anti-governmental protesters
| leadfigures1 = Guillermo Lasso
Patricio Carrillo
Francisco Jiménez
Luis Lara Jaramillo
| leadfigures2 = Leonidas Iza
Senaida Yasacama
Gary Espinoza
Eustaquio Tuala
Marlon Vargas
| howmany1 =
| howmany2 =
| howmany3 =
| howmany4 =
| casualties1 =
| casualties2 =
| casualties3 =
| casualties4 =
| fatalities = 5 protestors{{cite web|title=Ecuador: ya suman cinco los muertos en las protestas contra Guillermo Lasso y crecen los enfrentamientos en las calles|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2022/06/24/ecuador-ya-suman-cinco-lo-muertos-en-las-protestas-contra-guillermo-lasso-y-crecen-los-enfrentamientos-en-las-calles/|website=Infobae|access-date=25 June 2022|archive-date=25 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625000250/https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2022/06/24/ecuador-ya-suman-cinco-lo-muertos-en-las-protestas-contra-guillermo-lasso-y-crecen-los-enfrentamientos-en-las-calles/|url-status=live}}
| injuries = 331 civilians{{cite web | url=https://alianzaddhh.org/incidentes-ddhh-paro-2022/ | title=Incidentes DDHH paro 2022 | Alianza DDHH }}
120+ police officers
| damage =
| buildings =
| detentions =
| charged =
| fined =
| effect =
| effect_label =
| casualties_label =
| notes =
| sidebox =
}}
A series of protests against the economic policies of Ecuadorian president Guillermo Lasso, triggered by increasing fuel and food prices, began on 13 June 2022. Initiated by and primarily attended by Indigenous activists, in particular the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE), the protests have since been joined by students and workers who have also been affected by the price increases. Lasso condemned the protests and labelled them as an attempted "coup d'état" against his government.{{cite web|url=https://www.swissinfo.ch/spa/ecuador-protestas_lasso-denuncia-un-intento-de-golpe-de-estado-detr%C3%A1s-de-protestas-en-ecuador/47702026|title=Lasso denuncia un intento de golpe de Estado detrás de protestas en Ecuador|publisher=Swiss Info|access-date=29 June 2022|date=24 June 2022|language=Spanish|archive-date=25 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625020247/https://www.swissinfo.ch/spa/ecuador-protestas_lasso-denuncia-un-intento-de-golpe-de-estado-detr%C3%A1s-de-protestas-en-ecuador/47702026|url-status=live}}
As a result of the protests, Lasso has declared a state of emergency.{{cite web|access-date=2022-06-22|title=Ecuador Indigenous protesters arrive in Quito as president extends state of emergency|url=https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20220621-ecuador-indigenous-protesters-arrive-in-quito-as-president-extends-state-of-emergency|date=21 June 2022|website=France 24|archive-date=2022-06-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622001822/https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20220621-ecuador-indigenous-protesters-arrive-in-quito-as-president-extends-state-of-emergency|url-status=live}} As the protests have blocked exits, entries and ports in Quito and Guayaquil, there have been food and fuel shortages across the country as a result.{{cite web|access-date=2022-06-23|title=Ecuador facing food and fuel shortages as country rocked by violent protests|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jun/22/ecuador-protests|date=22 June 2022|website=The Guardian|archive-date=2022-06-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220623000532/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jun/22/ecuador-protests|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.barrons.com/news/in-protest-hit-ecuador-shortages-of-key-goods-start-to-bite-01656293406|title=In Protest-hit Ecuador, Shortages Of Key Goods Start To Bite|publisher=Barrons|access-date=30 June 2022|archive-date=30 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630131216/https://www.barrons.com/articles/micron-technology-earnings-chip-prices-51656421970?jsondata=r&tesla=y|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/ecuador-protests-take-increasingly-violent-turn-in-capital/2022/06/21/f76c5868-f1b9-11ec-ac16-8fbf7194cd78_story.html|title=Ecuador protests take increasingly violent turn in capital|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=30 June 2022|archive-date=30 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630131215/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/ecuador-protests-take-increasingly-violent-turn-in-capital/2022/06/21/f76c5868-f1b9-11ec-ac16-8fbf7194cd78_story.html|url-status=live}} Lasso has been criticized for allowing violent and deadly responses towards protestors. The President narrowly escaped impeachment in a vote in National Assembly on 29 June: 81 MPs voted in favour of impeachment, 42 voted against and 14 abstained; 92 votes were needed to achieve impeachment.
Timeline
The protest, which stems from the "structural social exclusion of indigenous peoples in Ecuador" and rising prices, is mainly led by the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (Conaie), and by student and worker collectives.{{cite web | url=https://www.liberation.fr/international/amerique/en-equateur-face-a-face-explosif-entre-le-gouvernement-et-les-manifestants-indigenes-20220624_VWTVCTSVGJBKVCX44VSOSPO5QA/ | title=En Equateur, la mobilisation des indigènes redouble, le président Lasso menacé de destitution }}
The protests began on 13 June 2022{{cite news|first1=Alexandra|last1=Valencia|access-date=2022-06-22|title=Ecuador indigenous groups condition talks on pullback of security forces|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/ecuadors-military-vows-stop-protests-damaging-democracy-2022-06-21/|newspaper=Reuters|date=22 June 2022|via=www.reuters.com|archive-date=2022-06-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621172938/https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/ecuadors-military-vows-stop-protests-damaging-democracy-2022-06-21/|url-status=live}} As protests marched towards the country's capital in Quito, they increasingly began to get violent.{{cite web|access-date=2022-06-22|title=Ecuador protests take increasingly violent turn in capital|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/ecuador-protests-increasingly-violent-turn-capital-85544481|website=ABC News|archive-date=2022-06-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622000308/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/ecuador-protests-increasingly-violent-turn-capital-85544481|url-status=live}} On 14 June, CONAIE President Leonidas Iza was arrested by the National Police in the Latacunga Canton, which escalated the protests.{{cite web|url=https://inredh.org/inredh-ante-la-detencion-ilegal-de-leonidas-iza-presidente-de-la-conaie-y-el-contexto-de-movilizaciones/|title=Inredh ante la detención ilegal de Leonidas Iza, presidente de la Conaie, y el contexto de movilizaciones|publisher=Inredh|language=Spanish|date=14 June 2022|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=15 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615005642/https://inredh.org/inredh-ante-la-detencion-ilegal-de-leonidas-iza-presidente-de-la-conaie-y-el-contexto-de-movilizaciones/|url-status=live}} Despite supporters calling his arrest illegal, an Ecuadorian judge ruled that his arrest was legal,{{cite web|url=https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/politica/se-instalo-audiencia-de-calificacion-de-flagrancia-en-contra-de-leonidas-iza-nota/|title=Se instaló audiencia de calificación de flagrancia en contra de Leonidas Iza|publisher=El Universo|date=14 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220623215509/https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/politica/se-instalo-audiencia-de-calificacion-de-flagrancia-en-contra-de-leonidas-iza-nota/ |archive-date=2022-06-23 }} he was released the same day due to substitute measures.{{cite web|url=https://www.extra.ec/noticia/actualidad/leonidas-iza-quedo-medidas-sustitutivas-puesto-libertad-libre-paro-nacional-68959.html|title=Leonidas Iza quedó con medidas sustitutivas y fue puesto en libertad|publisher=Extra|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617123310/https://www.extra.ec/noticia/actualidad/leonidas-iza-quedo-medidas-sustitutivas-puesto-libertad-libre-paro-nacional-68959.html |access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=2022-06-17 |language=Spanish}}
On 15 June, the protests have reached south of Quito and students, mainly from the University of Cuenca, later became involved with the protests.{{cite web|url=https://www.swissinfo.ch/spa/afp/miles-de-ind%C3%ADgenas-y-estudiantes-marchan-en-quito-en-protesta-antigobierno/47676062|title=Miles de indígenas y estudiantes marchan en Quito en protesta antigobierno|publisher=Swiss Info|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=30 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630070631/https://www.swissinfo.ch/spa/afp/miles-de-ind%C3%ADgenas-y-estudiantes-marchan-en-quito-en-protesta-antigobierno/47676062|url-status=live}} The same day, members of a transportation union in Quito joined in the protests due to rising fuel prices.{{cite web|url=https://www.lahora.com.ec/tungurahua/ambato-sectores-suman-paralizacion/|title=Ambato, más sectores se suman a la paralización|date=16 June 2022|publisher=La Hora|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=20 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620145200/https://www.lahora.com.ec/tungurahua/ambato-sectores-suman-paralizacion/|url-status=live}} The following day, protestors began to block roads and entry points to Quito and other cities such as Cuenca, Latacunga, Ambato, Tulcán, Ibarra and Riobamba.{{cite web|url=https://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/comuneros-ingresan-grupo-quito-avenida-maldonado.html|title=Caravana de comuneros recorrió vías del sur de Quito|date=15 June 2022|publisher=El Comercio|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=25 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625201020/https://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/comuneros-ingresan-grupo-quito-avenida-maldonado.html|url-status=live}} Reports of gas shortages near the Amazon River and mountainsides were reported.
On 17 June, the Education Ministry announced closure of in-person classes across the country and shifted to virtual classes due to the violent unrest.{{cite web|url=https://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/cantones-clases-virtuales-distancia-paro-junio-2022.html|title=30 cantones seguirán en clases a distancia por el paro|date=17 June 2022|publisher=El Comercio|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=26 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626224842/https://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/cantones-clases-virtuales-distancia-paro-junio-2022.html|url-status=live}} That same day, protestors managed to take control of the governments of the Pastaza Province and Morona-Santiago Province after breaching through police barricades while CONAIE filed an official complaint to the Justice Ministry against Lasso's government over Iza's arrest on 14 June.{{cite web|url=https://www.ecuavisa.com/noticias/ecuador/gobernaciones-de-pastaza-morona-santiago-y-bolivar-permanecen-tomadas-por-manifestantes-CA2013613|title=Gobernaciones de Pastaza, Morona Santiago y Bolívar permanecen tomadas por manifestantes|date=17 June 2022|publisher=Ecuavisa|language=Spanish|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=18 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220618015215/https://www.ecuavisa.com/noticias/ecuador/gobernaciones-de-pastaza-morona-santiago-y-bolivar-permanecen-tomadas-por-manifestantes-CA2013613|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.pichinchacomunicaciones.com.ec/conaie-denuncia-a-guillermo-lasso-por-la-detencion-de-leonidas-iza/|title=CONAIE denuncia a Guillermo Lasso por la detención de Leonidas Iza|website=Pichincha Comunicaciones|date=17 June 2022|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=18 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220618200543/https://www.pichinchacomunicaciones.com.ec/conaie-denuncia-a-guillermo-lasso-por-la-detencion-de-leonidas-iza/|url-status=live}} A few hours later, police confrontation towards protestors turned violent in Chimborazo Province where 40 people were injured and twelve were critically wounded.{{cite web|url=https://www.pichinchacomunicaciones.com.ec/coordinadora-por-la-revocatoria-presidencial-denuncia-falta-de-formularios-en-el-cne/|title=Coordinadora por la revocatoria presidencial denuncia falta de formularios en el CNE|date=13 June 2022|publisher=Pichincha Comunicaciones|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=18 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220618234114/https://www.pichinchacomunicaciones.com.ec/coordinadora-por-la-revocatoria-presidencial-denuncia-falta-de-formularios-en-el-cne/|url-status=live}} That same night, President Lasso implemented a curfew in Quito and also permitted police officials in the provinces of Pichincha, Cotopaxi and Imbabura to use deadly force.{{cite web|url=https://nacla.org/ecuador-indigenous-national-strike|title=In Ecuador, Indigenous-led National Strike Intensifies|publisher=NACLA|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=27 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627171243/https://nacla.org/ecuador-indigenous-national-strike|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20220621-ecuador-indigenous-protesters-arrive-in-quito-as-president-extends-state-of-emergency|title=Ecuador Indigenous protesters arrive in Quito as president extends state of emergency|date=21 June 2022|publisher=France24|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=28 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628163920/https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20220621-ecuador-indigenous-protesters-arrive-in-quito-as-president-extends-state-of-emergency|url-status=live}}
File:PARO NACIONAL GYE 2022 1 2.jpg
Five days after the protests began on 18 June, President Lasso declared a state of emergency and lifted a restriction of information about the protests on social media.{{cite web|url=https://www.pichinchacomunicaciones.com.ec/incidentes-en-protestas-en-el-centro-de-quito-por-segundo-dia-consecutivo/|title=Incidentes en protestas en el centro de Quito, por segundo día consecutivo|date=17 June 2022|publisher=Radio Pichincha|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=17 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617022804/https://www.pichinchacomunicaciones.com.ec/incidentes-en-protestas-en-el-centro-de-quito-por-segundo-dia-consecutivo/|url-status=live}} However, hours later, Lasso's government announced a "march of peace" and declared victory over the protests even though Lasso would eventually reverse this statement.{{cite web|url=https://www.vistazo.com/actualidad/nacional/gobierno-apoya-marcha-por-la-paz-en-quito-a-pesar-del-estado-de-excepcion-IF2016028|title=Gobierno apoya "marcha por la paz" en Quito, a pesar del estado de excepción|publisher=Vistazo|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=22 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622145833/https://www.vistazo.com/actualidad/nacional/gobierno-apoya-marcha-por-la-paz-en-quito-a-pesar-del-estado-de-excepcion-IF2016028|url-status=live}} Lasso's state of emergency decree was met with criticism within the National Assembly and eventually, assembly members asked to revoke the state of emergency.{{cite web|url=https://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/presidente-asamblea-convoca-debate-estado-excepcion.html|title=Saquicela convoca a debate en Pleno sobre el estado de excepción|date=18 June 2022|publisher=El Comercio|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=29 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629092537/https://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/presidente-asamblea-convoca-debate-estado-excepcion.html|url-status=live}}
That same day, CONAIE President Iza had an assassination attempt made on him when visiting Latacunga.{{cite web|url=https://www.pichinchacomunicaciones.com.ec/disparan-al-vehiculo-en-el-que-se-moviliza-leonidas-iza/|title=They shoot at the vehicle in which Leonidas Iza is traveling|date=18 June 2022|publisher=Pichincha Comunicaciones|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=18 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220618203312/https://www.pichinchacomunicaciones.com.ec/disparan-al-vehiculo-en-el-que-se-moviliza-leonidas-iza/|url-status=live}} During the protests, many Ecuadorian news agency website were hacked by protestors domestically and internationally such as from Germany and the United States.{{cite web|url=https://www.pichinchacomunicaciones.com.ec/atacan-la-pagina-web-de-radio-pichincha/|title=Atacan la página web de Radio Pichincha|date=19 June 2022|publisher=Pichincha Comunicaciones|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=19 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619220256/https://www.pichinchacomunicaciones.com.ec/atacan-la-pagina-web-de-radio-pichincha/|url-status=live}} On 19 June, protest indigenous leaders in the Ambato Province said they would cut off the province's water supply should citizens not join in support of the protests, however two days later the water supply would be shut-off due to contamination from burnt oil.{{cite web|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/ecuador/ecuador-protests-and-social-unrest-dg-echo-media-echo-daily-flash-23-june-2022|title=Ecuador – Protests and social unrest (DG ECHO, Media) (ECHO Daily Flash of 23 June 2022)|publisher=Relief.web|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=29 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629093359/https://reliefweb.int/report/ecuador/ecuador-protests-and-social-unrest-dg-echo-media-echo-daily-flash-23-june-2022|url-status=live}}
By 20 June, students from the Central University of Ecuador and transportation union members from Cuenca joined the protests and took part in the blockade of Cuenca.{{cite web|url=https://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/cuenca/bloqueos-siguen-transportistas-paro-nacional-cuenca.html|title=Bloqueos siguen y transportistas se suman al paro nacional en Cuenca|date=20 June 2022|publisher=El Comercio|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=21 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621081153/https://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/cuenca/bloqueos-siguen-transportistas-paro-nacional-cuenca.html|url-status=live}} That same day, Lasso addressed the nation saying that the protests are aimed at removing him from power and issued a new state of emergency in which he would prohibit meetings in public areas, however welcomed peaceful protests.{{cite web|url=https://www.semana.com/mundo/articulo/quieren-botar-al-presidente-afirmo-guillermo-lasso-en-medio-de-las-protestas-en-ecuador/202231/|title="Quieren botar al presidente", afirmó Guillermo Lasso en medio de las protestas en Ecuador|date=20 June 2022|publisher=Semana|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=22 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622012522/https://www.semana.com/mundo/articulo/quieren-botar-al-presidente-afirmo-guillermo-lasso-en-medio-de-las-protestas-en-ecuador/202231/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/guillermo-lasso-emite-un-nuevo-estado-de-excepcion.html|title=Guillermo Lasso emite un nuevo estado de excepción para 6 provincias|date=20 June 2022|publisher=El Comercio|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=22 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622013051/https://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/guillermo-lasso-emite-un-nuevo-estado-de-excepcion.html|url-status=live}} The National Assembly criticized Lasso's new state of emergency and held a meeting to revoke it. Hours later, when protestors were gathered in Quito, police officials detonated 25 bombs near caravans carrying the protestors which injured two people.{{cite web|url=https://elmercurio.com.ec/2022/06/21/miles-de-indigenas-ingresaron-a-quito/|title=Miles de indígenas ingresaron a Quito|publisher=El Mercurio|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=22 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622194607/https://elmercurio.com.ec/2022/06/21/miles-de-indigenas-ingresaron-a-quito/|url-status=live}}
File:Cierre vial en el Paro Nacional 2022.png
On 21 June, protestors blocked food transportation ports in Guayaquil leading to a food shortage.{{cite web|url=https://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/bloquean-ingreso-mercado-montebello-guayaquil.html|title=Ingreso al mercado Montebello en Guayaquil, bloqueado por manifestantes|date=21 June 2022|publisher=El Comercio|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=23 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220623034812/https://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/bloquean-ingreso-mercado-montebello-guayaquil.html|url-status=live}} Police investigators and Health Ministry officials launched an investigation against the protestors in Ambato, saying the protestors have contaminated the city's drinking water by pouring burnt oil into the reserves.{{cite web|url=https://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/ecuador/contaminacion-aceite-quemado-suspende-agua-potable-ambato.html|title=Por contaminación con aceite quemado se suspende el agua potable en Ambato|date=21 June 2022|publisher=El Comercio|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=23 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220623205103/https://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/ecuador/contaminacion-aceite-quemado-suspende-agua-potable-ambato.html|url-status=live}} That same day, the Defense Ministry condemened the protests and said that the "democracy of Ecuador is in serious risk".{{cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/es/ecuador-militares-condenan-protestas-por-serio-riesgo-para-la-democracia/a-62206746|title=Ecuador: militares condenan protestas por "serio riesgo" para la democracia|publisher=DW|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=25 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625215858/https://www.dw.com/es/ecuador-militares-condenan-protestas-por-serio-riesgo-para-la-democracia/a-62206746|url-status=live}} Police officials began detonating bombs at nearby universities in Guayaquil and Quito as response to student-led protests.{{cite web|url=https://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/quito/manifestantes-denuncia-policia-bombas-lacrimogenas.html|title=Manifestantes denuncian que Policía lanzó bombas lacrimógenas a la Universidad Central|date=22 June 2022|publisher=El Comercio|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=22 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622190502/https://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/quito/manifestantes-denuncia-policia-bombas-lacrimogenas.html|url-status=live}}
File:Supermaxi protestas 2022.jpg
On 22 June, CONAIE officials announced the ratification of their list of demands in order to begin talks with Lasso's government.{{cite web|url=https://www.pichinchacomunicaciones.com.ec/conaie-pide-que-cese-la-represion-se-derogue-el-estado-de-excepcion-y-que-existan-veedores-para-dialogar-con-el-gobierno/|title=Conaie pide que cese la represión, se derogue el estado de excepción y que existan veedores para dialogar con el Gobierno|date=22 June 2022|publisher=Pichincha Comunicaciones|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=23 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220623035039/https://www.pichinchacomunicaciones.com.ec/conaie-pide-que-cese-la-represion-se-derogue-el-estado-de-excepcion-y-que-existan-veedores-para-dialogar-con-el-gobierno/|url-status=live}} Government officials acknowledged this and said they would begin the review process of CONAIE's list of demands.{{cite web|url=https://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/gobierno-revisa-carta-de-la-conaie-para-dialogo.html|title=Gobierno revisa carta de la CONAIE para diálogo|date=22 June 2022|publisher=El Comercio|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=24 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624231525/https://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/gobierno-revisa-carta-de-la-conaie-para-dialogo.html|url-status=live}} Following day, ministry officials began to review who would mediate talks between CONAIE and government officials while extending Lasso's state of emergency declaration.{{cite web|url=https://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/politica/gobierno-evalua-sentarse-dialogo-estado-excepcion.html|title=Gobierno evalúa con quién sentarse al diálogo; estado de excepción sigue|date=23 June 2022|publisher=El Comercio|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=26 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626230312/https://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/politica/gobierno-evalua-sentarse-dialogo-estado-excepcion.html|url-status=live}} On 23 June, violent clashes between military officials and protestors in San Antonio de Pichincha left 17 soldiers seriously injured, the destruction of three military trucks and the death of one protestor.{{cite web|url=https://www.pichinchacomunicaciones.com.ec/paro-nacional-1-manifestante-fallecio-y-17-militares-fueron-heridos-en-enfrentamiento-en-san-antonio-de-pichincha/|title=Paro Nacional: 1 manifestante falleció y 17 militares fueron heridos en enfrentamiento en San Antonio de Pichincha|date=24 June 2022|publisher=Pichincha Comunicaciones|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=24 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624165718/https://www.pichinchacomunicaciones.com.ec/paro-nacional-1-manifestante-fallecio-y-17-militares-fueron-heridos-en-enfrentamiento-en-san-antonio-de-pichincha/|url-status=live}} That same night, counter-protests were held in Quito calling Iza a "terrorist" and accusing former President Rafael Correa as funding the protests.{{cite web|url=https://www.elmundo.es/internacional/2022/06/24/62b5320ae4d4d805218b45e5.html|title=Contramarcha nocturna en Quito: "¡Iza, terrorista! ¡Correa, financista!"|date=24 June 2022|publisher=El Mundo|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=27 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627192927/https://www.elmundo.es/internacional/2022/06/24/62b5320ae4d4d805218b45e5.html|url-status=live}}
On 24 June, protestors stormed the Egyptian Embassy in Quito and launched several bombs.{{cite web|url=https://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/dialogo-gobierno-conaie-fundamento-paro.html|title=El diálogo entre Gobierno y Conaie quedó sin fundamento|date=25 June 2022|publisher=El Comercio|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=27 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627021734/https://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/dialogo-gobierno-conaie-fundamento-paro.html|url-status=live}} That same day, protestors took control of the Cotopaxi Governor's Office and appointed a "Governor of the People" in the province.{{cite web|url=https://www.eltelegrafo.com.ec/noticias/actualidad/44/manifestantes-gobernacion-cotopaxi-destitucion|title=Manifestantes anuncian destitución del gobernador de Cotopaxi|date=24 June 2022|publisher=El Telegrafo|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=25 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625021837/https://www.eltelegrafo.com.ec/noticias/actualidad/44/manifestantes-gobernacion-cotopaxi-destitucion|url-status=live}} The following day, protests began to ease in Quito with Iza asking protestors to allow food products to enter the city to feed hungry protestors.{{cite web|url=https://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/ecuador/leonidas-iza-basilica-voto-nacional-dialogo-paro-productos.html|title=Iza pide traer productos del campo a Quito para sostener 'lucha' de la Conaie|date=25 June 2022|publisher=El Comercio|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=27 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627061137/https://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/ecuador/leonidas-iza-basilica-voto-nacional-dialogo-paro-productos.html|url-status=live}} Police officials in Quito recorded 3,823 cases of disturbances along with 138 arrests in the city between 13 June to 25 June.{{cite web|url=https://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/seguridad/detenidos-afectaciones-muertes-protestas-ecuador-conaie.html|title=La Policía detuvo a 138 personas durante las protestas en Ecuador|date=26 June 2022|publisher=El Comercio|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=28 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628100620/https://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/seguridad/detenidos-afectaciones-muertes-protestas-ecuador-conaie.html|url-status=live}}
File:9na jornada de manifestaciones, Paro Nacional 2022.png
On 26 June, Lasso announced the reduction of fuel prices by ten cents.{{cite web|url=https://www.pichinchacomunicaciones.com.ec/presidente-lasso-reduce-en-010-centavos-el-precio-de-los-combustibles/|title=Presidente Lasso reduce en 0,10 centavos el precio de los combustibles|date=27 June 2022|publisher=Pichincha Comunicaciones|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=27 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627170201/https://www.pichinchacomunicaciones.com.ec/presidente-lasso-reduce-en-010-centavos-el-precio-de-los-combustibles/|url-status=live}} The following day, CONAIE criticized Lasso's fuel price reduction as insufficient and announced they will meet with grassroots organizers on an official response.{{cite web|url=https://www.pichinchacomunicaciones.com.ec/es-una-decision-insuficiente-e-insensible-responde-conaie-a-reduccion-de-usd-010-en-combustibles/|title="Es una decisión insuficiente e insensible", responde CONAIE a reducción de USD 0,10 en combustibles|date=27 June 2022|publisher=Pichincha Comunicaciones|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=27 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627170222/https://www.pichinchacomunicaciones.com.ec/es-una-decision-insuficiente-e-insensible-responde-conaie-a-reduccion-de-usd-010-en-combustibles/|url-status=live}} On 28 June, a violent clash erupted between soldiers and protestors in the Sucumbíos Province over a convey of seventeen fuel tankers resulted in the death of one soldier.{{cite web|url=https://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/politica/saquicela-convoca-nueva-reunion-gobierno-conaie.html|title=Saquicela convoca a nueva reunión entre Gobierno y Conaie|date=28 June 2022|publisher=El Comercio|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=28 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628203916/https://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/politica/saquicela-convoca-nueva-reunion-gobierno-conaie.html|url-status=live}} Hours later, Lasso denounced Iza and said he would meet with him for official talks to end the protests.{{cite web|url=https://www.pichinchacomunicaciones.com.ec/lasso-no-rompe-con-leonidas-rompe-con-el-pueblo-responde-conaie-luego-de-anuncio-del-presidente/|title="Lasso no rompe con Leonidas, rompe con el pueblo", responde CONAIE, luego de anuncio del Presidente|date=28 June 2022|publisher=Radio Pichincha|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=29 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629012402/https://www.pichinchacomunicaciones.com.ec/lasso-no-rompe-con-leonidas-rompe-con-el-pueblo-responde-conaie-luego-de-anuncio-del-presidente/|url-status=live}} In response, CONAIE called Lasso an "authoritarian leader" and said he would be responsible for ending potential talks to end the protests. President of the National Assembly condemned Lasso for not holding the peace talks while insisting that that is the only measure to end the protests.{{cite web|url=https://www.asambleanacional.gob.ec/es/noticia/81736-presidente-de-la-asamblea-insiste-en-el-dialogo-como|title=PRESIDENTE DE LA ASAMBLEA INSISTE EN EL DIÁLOGO COMO VÍA PARA SOLUCIONAR EL PARO|publisher=Asamblea Nacional|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=29 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629102335/https://www.asambleanacional.gob.ec/es/noticia/81736-presidente-de-la-asamblea-insiste-en-el-dialogo-como|url-status=live}} That same night, impeachment debates against Lasso resumed in the National Assembly, however failed as 80 assembly members voted to impeach Lasso, which is less than the 92 necessary votes to oust Lasso from power.{{cite web|url=https://www.asambleanacional.gob.ec/es/noticia/81748-el-pleno-desarrollo-amplio-debate-sobre-la-destitucion|title=EL PLENO DESARROLLÓ AMPLIO DEBATE SOBRE LA DESTITUCIÓN DEL PRESIDENTE DE LA REPÚBLICA|publisher=Asamblea Nacional|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=29 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629045019/https://www.asambleanacional.gob.ec/es/noticia/81748-el-pleno-desarrollo-amplio-debate-sobre-la-destitucion|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/ecuador-confirms-soldier-killed-attack-fuel-convoy-2022-06-28/|title=Ecuador's Lasso survives bid to oust him, ends talks with indigenous leader|date=29 June 2022|work=Reuters|access-date=29 June 2022|last1=Valencia|first1=Alexandra|archive-date=29 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629005341/https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/ecuador-confirms-soldier-killed-attack-fuel-convoy-2022-06-28/|url-status=live}}
On 29 June, protestors in Morona-Santiago Province attempted to overthrow the provincial governor by detaining the provincial manager.{{cite web|url=https://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/gerente-banecuador-retenido-morona-santiago.html|title=Provincial manager of BanEcuador was held in Morona Santiago|date=29 June 2022 |publisher=El Comercio|access-date=30 June 2022|archive-date=29 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629213414/https://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/gerente-banecuador-retenido-morona-santiago.html|url-status=live}} Hours later, Morona Santiago governor Freddy Villamagua announced his resignation as part of a negotiation with protestors to free hostages, such as the provincial manager.{{cite web|url=https://www.vistazo.com/actualidad/nacional/gobernador-de-morona-santiago-renuncia-a-cambio-de-que-manifestantes-liberen-a-rehenes-FG2118142|title=Gobernador de Morona Santiago renuncia a cambio de que manifestantes liberen a rehenes|publisher=Vistazo|access-date=30 June 2022|archive-date=30 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630021605/https://www.vistazo.com/actualidad/nacional/gobernador-de-morona-santiago-renuncia-a-cambio-de-que-manifestantes-liberen-a-rehenes-FG2118142|url-status=live}} That same night, Lasso declared a new state of emergency for the Imbabura, Azuay, Sucumbíos and Orellana provinces.{{cite web|url=https://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/seguridad/lasso-estado-excepcion-azuay-imbabura-orellana-sucumbios.html|title=Guillermo Lasso decreta estado de excepción en Azuay, Imbabura, Sucumbíos y Orellana|date=29 June 2022 |publisher=El Comercio|access-date=30 June 2022|archive-date=29 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629223048/https://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/seguridad/lasso-estado-excepcion-azuay-imbabura-orellana-sucumbios.html|url-status=live}}
The protests have been noted for the national food and fuel shortages that it caused and the violent measures taken by protestors.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jun/22/ecuador-protests|title=Ecuador facing food and fuel shortages as country rocked by violent protests|work=The Guardian|date=22 June 2022|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=28 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628234808/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jun/22/ecuador-protests|url-status=live}} During the protests, protestors have attacked civilians, burned police stations and began looting across the country. Causes for the shortages are due to blockades by the protests which reduced the amount of foods and products travelling in and out of Quito and Guayaquil.{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/video/protest-hit-ecuador-shortages-key-012541484.html|title=In protest-hit Ecuador, shortages of key goods start to bite|publisher=Yahoo|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=27 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627050629/https://www.yahoo.com/video/protest-hit-ecuador-shortages-key-012541484.html|url-status=live}} Several markets were forced to close due to violent protests and food prices soared as a result. The lack of domestic security which was brought by the previous administration of Lenin Moreno was also cited as a motivator for the protests.{{cite web|url=https://www.vozdeamerica.com/a/ecuador-inseguridad-y-violencia-golpean-a-la-poblacion/6586718.html|title=Ecuador: inseguridad y violencia golpean a la población|publisher=VOA|language=Spanish|date=24 May 2022|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=26 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626030646/https://www.vozdeamerica.com/a/ecuador-inseguridad-y-violencia-golpean-a-la-poblacion/6586718.html/|url-status=live}}
CONAIE demands
File:Detención de Leonidas Iza.png getting arrested on 14 June 2022]]
The CONAIE released a list of ten demands on 13 June 2022, some of which have been met to varying degrees by the Ecuadorian government:{{cite web|access-date=22 June 2022|title=Gobierno y Conaie: Frente a frente por protestas|language=spanish|url=https://especiales.elcomercio.com/interactivos/gobierno-conaie-frente-protestas-manifestaciones-dialogo/|archive-date=24 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624124314/https://especiales.elcomercio.com/interactivos/gobierno-conaie-frente-protestas-manifestaciones-dialogo/|url-status=live}}
- Reduction and freezing of the prices of fuel: diesel at $1.50 and extra and eco gasoline at $2.10. Abolish Decrees 1158, 1183, 1054, and focus instead on the sectors that need more subsidies: agricultural work, farming, transportation and fishing.{{cite web|access-date=13 June 2022|title=Agenda de Lucha Nacional|url=https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SzuT4sG8VlnSpcmQ4-qAe07ardw-n4BX/view|language=es-EC|archive-date=15 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615122744/https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SzuT4sG8VlnSpcmQ4-qAe07ardw-n4BX/view|url-status=live}}
- Economic relief for more than four million families with a moratorium of no less than one year, renegotiation of private debts with a reduction of interest rates, and the suspension of seizure of assets due to non-payment of those debts.
- Fair prices on everyday food products and no royalty payments for farmers.
- Policies and public investment to prevent or avoid job insecurity and the demanding of payment of debts to the IESS.
- Moratorium on the expansion of the mining and oil industries, comprehensive audits and reparations for the sociological and environmental impacts of these industries, and the repeal of Decrees 95 and 151 on mining.
- Respect for the twenty-one collective rights provided for in Article 57 of the Constitution: bilingual intercultural education, indigenous justice, prior consultation, and organization and self-determination of indigenous communities.
- Stopping the privatization of public companies.
- Policies to control prices and speculative pricing on basic necessities.
- An urgent budget in the face of shortages in hospitals due to a lack of medical personnel and staff. Guaranteed youth access to higher education and the improvement of infrastructure in primary schools, secondary schools, and universities.
- Security, protection, and generation of effective public policies to curb crime in the country.
Responses
File:Centro de Quito militarizado, Paro Nacional 2022.png
Amid the protests, the Japanese, German, Canadian, French, and Swiss embassies sent a joint communique in which they expressed their concern for "the continued, violent disturbance in the country, particularly because it affects fundamental human rights of the citizens." As such, they indicated that they recognize "the right to organize peacefully" and they urged both sides to come together for dialogue toward reconciliation and peace.{{cite web|url=https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/politica/paro-nacional-embajadas-en-ecuador-hacen-llamado-a-dialogo-nota/|title=Paro nacional: embajadas en Ecuador hacen llamado a diálogo|access-date=23 June 2022|date=22 June 2022|website=El Universo|language=es-EC|archive-date=22 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622151624/https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/politica/paro-nacional-embajadas-en-ecuador-hacen-llamado-a-dialogo-nota/|url-status=live}}
The ONG, Human Rights International, announced the withdraw of their personnel "after they became victims of physical violence, theft, and illegal detention{{cite web|url=https://cnnespanol.cnn.com/2022/06/24/ultima-hora-protestas-paro-nacional-ecuador-vivo-orix/|title=Última hora de las protestas y el paro nacional en Ecuador, en vivo|access-date=24 June 2022|date=24 June 2022|website=CNN|language=es|archive-date=24 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624104621/https://cnnespanol.cnn.com/2022/06/24/ultima-hora-protestas-paro-nacional-ecuador-vivo-orix/|url-status=live}} before urging Leonidas Iza to reach "dialogue and respect for the human rights of those who are not participating in the protests and that violence and acts of vandalism do not serve as a sign of a desire to find a conclusion to this crisis."{{cite web|url=https://www.eltelegrafo.com.ec/noticias/actualidad/44/derechos-humanos-secuestro-manifestaciones-ecuador|title=Derechos Humanos Internacional retira a su personal luego de intento de retención en las manifestaciones|access-date=24 June 2022|website=El Telégrafo|date=24 June 2022|language=es-EC|archive-date=24 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624154745/https://www.eltelegrafo.com.ec/noticias/actualidad/44/derechos-humanos-secuestro-manifestaciones-ecuador|url-status=live}}
On 22 June 2022, the United States Department of State issued a travel advisory to Ecuador over the rise of civil unrest and crime in the country relating to the protests.{{cite web|url=https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/ecuador-travel-advisory.html|title=Ecuador Travel Advisory|publisher=Travel.state.gov|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=29 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629020337/https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/ecuador-travel-advisory.html|url-status=live}} That same day, Pope Francis called on an end of violence amid the protests from both the government and protestors.{{cite web|url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2111026/world|title=Pope Francis urges calm in protest-hit Ecuador|date=26 June 2022|publisher=Arab News|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=29 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629153812/https://www.arabnews.com/node/2111026/world|url-status=live}}
President Lasso issued an approximately six-minute, televised statement on 24 June 2022 in which he described the "violence perpetrated by criminals [who have] infiltrated [the movement]," only after having stated that "the real intention of Mr. Iza is the destabilization of the government."{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGBbrrSH_Uk&t=114s|language=es-EC|website=YouTube|access-date=24 June 2022|title= EN VIVO - Cadena Nacional del Presidente Guillermo Lasso }} On 25 June, Lasso had announced that the International Monetary Fund had approved a $1 million disbursement of funds to the country in response to the protests.{{cite web|url=https://www.expreso.ec/actualidad/economia/directorio-fmi-aprueba-desembolso-1-000-millones-ecuador-130277.html|title=El Directorio del FMI aprueba desembolso de $ 1.000 millones para Ecuador|publisher=Expresso|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=27 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627180039/https://www.expreso.ec/actualidad/economia/directorio-fmi-aprueba-desembolso-1-000-millones-ecuador-130277.html|url-status=live}}
On 25 June 2022, members of the National Assembly met with motions to begin an impeachment process towards Lasso over his handling of the protests.{{cite web|url=https://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/politica/pachakutik-asambleistas-destitucion-lasso-protestas.html|title=Marlon Santi y Salvador Quishpe discrepan públicamente sobre apoyar la destitución de Lasso|date=25 June 2022|publisher=El Comercio|access-date=29 June 2022|archive-date=28 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628060438/https://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/politica/pachakutik-asambleistas-destitucion-lasso-protestas.html|url-status=live}}
See also
- 2019 Ecuadorian protests – similarly triggered by a reduction in fuel subsidies
- 2022 Peruvian protests
- 2022 Sri Lankan protests
- List of protests in the 21st century
- 2023 Ecuadorian political crisis
References
{{reflist}}
{{Contemporary Ecuadorian protest movement}}
Category:Political history of Ecuador