CIVICUS discusses protests in Ecuador caused by the elimination of diesel subsidies and the resulting social unrest with Micaela Estefanía Puente Betancourt. A student at the University of San Francisco in Quito, Micaela is involved in youth participation initiatives.
Starting in mid-September, thousands of Ecuadorians have taken to the streets to protest against the elimination of diesel subsidies. This demand was compounded by growing discontent with a government accused of prioritising economic interests over environmental and social rights. Protesters have faced military repression, excessive force and arbitrary arrests.
