On Brink of Crisis

Ecuador’s Interior Minister Alfredo Castillo resigned after making controversial comments in support of mounting social unrest. A Castillo quote by Prensa Latina reads: "Amid all this chaos, the government has two choices: either join the nationwide silence that is imposed on all things, or simply quit".

Social unrest erupted after the negotiation of a free trade agreement with the US was announced by the executive. The protests have been led by indigenous groups calling for a referendum on the agreement. Protestors have blocked roads and demonstrated at the Presidential Palace.

Ecuador recently experienced two major oil industry strikes. Presidential elections are scheduled for October