The United Workers’ Front (FUT) and 18 other social groups called for the protest in this capital for the “defense of health, public education, decent work, social security, human rights, and the rights of nature.”

The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE) announced it will join the protest. Its president, Marlon Vargas, stated that the indigenous grassroots will support the social movements and reiterated that the organization supports the Constitutional Court in acting without pressure regarding laws and proposals from the Executive Branch.

Anti-government protests are planned in at least 13 cities, including Guayaquil, Cuenca, Portoviejo, Santo Domingo, Riobamba, Ambato, Latacunga, Ibarra, and Esmeraldas.

In parallel, President Noboa called for a counter-march in Guayaquil “for peace and justice.” This will be the second march convened by the Executive Branch.

This week, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, addressed the demonstration led by Noboa, stating that “the attacks against Ecuador’s Constitutional Court are unacceptable.”

“The authorities must guarantee the Court’s independence and the safety of its judges and staff,” Turk stated.

jdt/dfm/avr