Civil unrest in Ecuador ahead of Pope Francis visit

[unhappycamper]

http://www.dw.com/en/civil-unrest-in-ecuador-ahead-of-pope-francis-visit/a-18563041

"Even Francis cannot save you!" is written on the banners held by demonstrators in Quito protesting against Ecuadorian President Correa. Political tensions have been rising ahead of the pontiff's arrival.

Civil unrest in Ecuador ahead of Pope Francis visit
Astrid Prange
05.07.2015

Hundreds of people gather during a protest against the government in downtown Quito, Ecuador June 25, 2015. Ecuador's President Rafael Correa eased its proposed redistribution of wealth to avoid an escalation of conflict with the business sector on Thursday amid mounting political pressure and mass marches by opposition groups throughout the country.

President Rafael Correa's reform plans for inheritance and property tax have brought about discontent. Ecuador's government also recently introduced a special customs duty on imported goods. At first, only the middle and upper classes took to the streets. But now, representatives of indigenous organizations, unions and physicians have joined the ongoing protests.

Politics in the country have become strongly polarized over recent days. President Correa has been using radical rhetoric: In the country's media, he has described the protests as a gentle coup d'etat. He believes that powerful groups aim for a conservative restoration, which strives to undermine the progress made by neighboring countries with progressive governments such as Bolivia, Venezuela, Argentina and Brazil.

The opposition refuses to be intimidated. "If the government continues to turn a deaf ear, then I will call for a mass demonstration," wrote Quito's Mayor Mauricio Rodas in the online news provider "Ecuador inmediato". He added, "The government must drop its arrogant, authoritarian style; it must stop persecuting citizens who think differently."