Protesters and police have fought violently in Ecuador's capital Quito. Heavily increased fuel prices cause displeasure in the South American country. The protesters threw stones and incendiary devices on the police near the seat of the government - according to Defense Minister Oswaldo Jarrín, security forces arrested 277 people for "vandalism". 21 policemen and 14 civilians were injured.
Ecuador's leader Lenin Moreno declared a state of emergency in the face of protests against his government. "In order to ensure the safety of the citizens and prevent chaos, I have ordered a state of emergency nationwide," he said after a cabinet meeting in Quito. The state of emergency applies initially for 60 days.
On Tuesday Ecuador decided to cut subsidies on fuel. The move is part of structural reforms that the government has committed to implement in exchange for a $ 4.1 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan.
Warning from Moreno
A departure from the removal of subsidies is out of the question for head of state Moreno. "State subsidies have badly hurt the country because of the distortion of the economy," he said in a televised speech. Moreno warned the protesters that he would not allow chaos to prevail in Ecuador. The days when vandalism and violence were common were over.
The state of emergency now gives the government far-reaching powers. Among other things, it allows the restriction of freedom of movement and the censorship of the media. Soldiers can be deployed in public places, ports, airports and borders can be closed. After 60 days, the government can extend the state of emergency by another 30 days.