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Luis Lara, in charge of the Defense portfolio, exclaimed that “democracy is at serious risk”, turning on the alert after the social demonstrations took place for the ninth consecutive day. The reactions to the death of one of the civilians in the march further fueled the tension in a context of social unrest that has already led six provinces to a state of emergency.
This Tuesday, June 21, a new chapter of the protests that are spreading in Ecuador took place after Defense Minister Luis Lara made some alarmist statements about the security of the Guillermo Lasso Administration.
“Democracy is at serious risk,” exclaimed the official at a time when tensions over social protests do not subside and after one of the protesters was killed.
Thousands of citizens participate in these mobilizations promoted by the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities (Conaie), which include intermittent blockades of roads and highways in different provinces.
Lara described the protesters as “exalted people who prevent the free movement of the majority of Ecuadorians” and assured that their “sole objective” is to “create panic, attacking and extorting companies, institutions and authorities.”
The minister, who spoke on behalf of the Armed Forces, went further and said that these activities “coincide with the brutal criminal attack that the country has been suffering from drug traffickers and organized crime.”
“They do not help social demands, on the contrary,” he added.
Lara’s remarks come hours after President Lasso assured that the intentions of the protests are to “throw out the president.”
“They seek chaos. I am here, I am not going to escape, I am here to protect each of the families,” the president stated in a video message on Twitter.
This Tuesday, the number of protests increased with roadblocks in different parts of the country. While Quito is the scene of blockades on the roads and the Carondelet Palace, the government house, continues to be protected by security forces.
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