Thousands of protesters staged anti-government rallies Wednesday, seeking to intensify pressure on Ecuador's president after a week of unrest sparked by fuel price hikes.
QUITO, Ecuador — Thousands of protesters staged anti-government rallies Wednesday, seeking to intensify pressure on Ecuador's president after a week of unrest sparked by fuel price hikes.
In one chaotic scene, protesters swarmed onto the top of a riot control vehicle that stopped in an alley. They pounded on its armored plating and reinforced windows with clubs and stones until the occupants accelerated away through clouds of smoke and tear gas. Ecuador's Red Cross said it was suspending paramedic and ambulance services because of security concerns. Red Cross volunteers had been attacked in several locations in recent days and people threw stones at an ambulance in Quito on Monday, the aid group said.
The military's backing is key for Moreno, who said late Tuesday that his government is negotiating with indigenous groups. The president said the dialogue is difficult because so many indigenous groups are involved. He also said he will not resign despite widespread discontent in the South American nation of 17 million.
Still, the political crisis shows no immediate signs of abating. While labor leaders called the strike Wednesday, economic activity in much of the country has already been stalled by clashes, looting, blockades and other disruptions. The disturbances have spread from transport workers to students and then to indigenous demonstrators, an ominous turn for the government. Indigenous protesters played a major role in the 2005 resignation of Ecuador's president at the time, Lucio Gutiérrez, though the military's tacit approval was key to his removal.
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