Protests in Ecuador cause economic losses of 475 million euros

MADRID, 27 Jun. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The demonstrations in Ecuador have caused economic losses of 475 million euros (500 million dollars) until this Sunday, during the last weeks there have been massive protests against the Government of President Guillermo Lasso for high prices, led mainly by the indigenous movement , which have in turn been opposed by other mobilizations of opposing Ecuadorians.

The president of the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE), Leonidas Iza, announced on Saturday that the mobilization was being maintained in Quito due to the lack of agreement with the president of the Assembly, Virgilio Saquicela, and the government ministers.

In a general balance in the productive and oil sector, a loss of 475 million euros (500 million dollars) has been registered until this Sunday. That is, approximately 38-48 million euros (40-50 million dollars) for each day of stoppage, as detailed by the Minister of Production, Foreign Trade, Investments and Fisheries of Ecuador, Julio José Prado, as collected 'Trade'.

Thus, the minister has highlighted that among the most affected sectors is clothing and footwear with 75 percent fewer sales. For the tourism sector, the first 12 days of the shutdown have meant a loss of approximately 48 million euros ($50 million).

The production chains that have suffered the most from the impact of the protests are: poultry in the towns of Cotopaxi and Tungurahua, dairy products that have lost 8.5 million liters of milk, that is, 12.3 million euros (13 million dollars), and agriculture and livestock, which have registered losses of more than 85.4 million euros (90 million dollars).

It has also stated that 1,094 oil wells remain closed. That means a loss for the Ecuadorian State of at least 91 million euros (96 million dollars).

On the other hand, the president of the Special Operations Committee (COE) of Ecuador, Juan Zapata has reported that Ecuador has changed this Sunday the public order alert from red to yellow.

In this sense, the Minister of Education, María Brown, has asserted that some educational centers will be able to return to face-to-face classes from this Monday. In certain communities the decision will depend on the local authorities.

The country is mired in a national strike called by CONAIE and other social organizations due to the high cost of living. In the framework of the protests, the death of at least four people has already been confirmed.