Quito, Ecuador – Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa on Tuesday declared a 60-day state of emergency in seven provinces following widespread unrest triggered by a nationwide transport strike. The strike began on Monday after the government’s decision to eliminate long-standing diesel subsidies, sparking road blockades, protests, and confrontations with security forces.
The presidential decree cited “serious internal unrest” as the reason for the emergency order, noting that protests and road closures had “escalated and disrupted public order.” The provinces affected by the decree are those most impacted by the strike and ongoing demonstrations, though the government has not ruled out expanding the measures if protests spread.
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The decision to lift diesel subsidies was announced last Friday, part of Noboa’s broader economic reform program aimed at reducing fiscal deficits and meeting commitments with international lenders, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF). For decades, subsidized fuel has been a politically sensitive issue in Ecuador, with past attempts to roll back subsidies often leading to widespread protests and clashes.
In his decree, President Noboa stressed that the state of emergency “does not imply any restriction on the right to demonstrate, provided that it is peaceful and does not affect the rights, freedoms, and guarantees of other citizens.” However, the order grants the armed forces and national police authority to intervene to ensure public order, prevent violence, and protect both citizens and economic activities.
Security forces have been deployed to clear blocked highways, a tactic commonly used by striking transport unions to pressure the government. Noboa’s administration emphasized that the measure is aimed at safeguarding free movement of goods and people across the country, especially as food supply chains and essential services began to feel the strain of the strike.
The transport unions argue that the elimination of diesel subsidies will sharply raise operating costs for buses, trucks, and taxis, ultimately hitting consumers through higher prices. They are demanding that the government reconsider the decision, warning that the measure will disproportionately affect low- and middle-income Ecuadorians who rely heavily on road transport for daily life.
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This is not the first time Ecuador has faced major unrest over fuel prices. In 2019, then-President Lenín Moreno attempted to cut subsidies under IMF-backed reforms, triggering weeks of violent protests led by transport unions and Indigenous organizations. Moreno was eventually forced to reinstate subsidies after dialogue with protest leaders.
President Noboa, who took office in November 2023, has argued that continuing fuel subsidies is unsustainable and diverts billions of dollars annually that could otherwise be invested in social programs and infrastructure. His government maintains that targeted support measures will be put in place to cushion the impact on vulnerable groups.
The situation remains tense, with unions vowing to continue their strike until the government reverses its decision. Human rights organizations have urged authorities to ensure that security forces respect the right to peaceful protest and avoid excessive use of force.
As the emergency enters into effect, all eyes are on whether Noboa can withstand the mounting pressure or if he, like his predecessors, will be forced into concessions to restore calm.
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