The Government of Ecuador and the indigenous movement agree to end the national strike

First modification: 06/30/2022 – 20:10

Ecuador paved the way for a solution, 18 days after starting the protests that shook the country.

In a new dialogue, with the mediation of the Episcopal Conference, the Government and representatives of the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities (Conaie), which promoted the strike, reached an agreement this Thursday, June 30.

Among the agreed issues, the reduction of five cents more to the price of the gallon of extra and eco country gasoline, as well as diesel, stands out. In total, it will be a reduction of 15 cents, taking into account the reductions approved by the Administration of President Guillermo Lasso days ago, during the strong protests.

With the new provisions, the cost per gallon of the two types of gasoline in the country will be 2.40 dollars, while that of diesel will be 1.75 dollars.

Likewise, the Government promised to repeal the state of exception, annul decree 95 on oil policy and make reforms to order 151, Therefore, it promises to prohibit the concession of new licenses for mining exploitation in natural reserves, intangible and archaeological areas, areas of water sources and in indigenous territories.

The Lasso Administration also announced prior and informed consultation on these issues of interest.

For its part, the Ecuadorian Episcopal Conference indicated that follow-up tables will be set up for these agreements.

High costs of living triggered more than two weeks of protests

The strike promoted by the indigenous communities was followed by violent protests, which began as a rejection of the high costs of fuel and food.

But the prolonged demonstration caused at least eight deaths, a high shortage of basic products in the family basket, a significant reduction in oil production and even prevented the passage of ambulances, amid the blockades of highways and roads in the country.

The demonstrators also demanded a larger government budget for education and health and the fixing of prices for agricultural products.

To the agreements agreed this Thursday, both parties arrive after last Monday they broke off the first attempt at talks.

The alleged attack by members of the indigenous communities against a fuel convoy escorted by the Army left one soldier dead and 12 soldiers wounded, for which the Government abandoned the negotiations at that time.

However, under pressure from civil society that was strongly affected, including businessmen and the same food producers who saw heavy losses every day, the parties resumed negotiations.

With EFE, AP and local media