Anti-government protests in Ecuador in advance of papal visit

July 03, 2015

Ecuador’s President Rafael Correa faced protesters demanding his removal from office on July 1, just days before a scheduled visit by Pope Francis.

Thousands of demonstrators marched in the major cities of Ecuador, protesting Correa’s policies on commercial mining and drilling in the Amazon region. The government has been losing public support because of economic problems caused by a drop in oil prices, and Correa has faced regular public protests for the past month.

Pope Francis is due in Ecuador on Sunday, July 5, as he begins a week-long visit to South America.

 

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Further information:

• 3 Days Before Pope Visit, Ecuador Protests Aim at President (AP)