Ecuador: Tensions Between Government and Opposition threaten democracy

globalvoicesonline.org/Milton Ramirez wrote: Despite Ecuador having received praise for reducing poverty over the last years the South American country is currently facing a challenge to meet its fiscal budget as a result of the rut in global prices for its key oil export.

As politicians wrangle over finances, a wave of internet-to-street protests have been held across several of the country’s cities.

The protests are a response to a wealth redistribution law that would impose new taxes on inheritance and capital gains. President Rafael Correa recently postponed this legislation in order to put an end to the marches and create a “peaceful and pleasant” atmosphere for Pope Francisco, who will arrive in the capital Quito on Sunday.

Nevertheless, milder protests and counter-protests continue to be held throughout several cities in Ecuador, most notably those led by the mayor of Guayaquil (the country’s second most important city), Jaime Nebot, and Paul Carrasco, prefect of the Azuay province. Read Article

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