Ecuador’s Government Crisis, Explained

Ecuador’s government abandoned the capital city, Quito, as demonstrators sabotaged oil installations and ransacked government offices and businesses over rising fuel costs. As violent unrest spread, President Lenin Moreno accused supporters of his predecessor, Rafael Correa, of trying to overthrow his government. Correa denied any involvement but his supporters have been critical of Moreno since his former protege unexpectedly steered the country of 16.5 million people to the right after taking office in 2017.

Truckers and taxi drivers began to block highways around the country after the government ended subsidies on gasoline and diesel on Oct. 3. They were joined by indigenous groups, students and other opponents of the government, including supporters of Correa. Protesters in Quito damaged Ecuador’s congressional building and violently entered the comptroller general’s office across the street. Rioters also attacked an oil production facility, a major dairy and dozens of rose plantations. They burned police and military vehicles as security forces struggled to contain the violence and the government declared a state of emergency.