Quito, (EFE) – Ecuadorian Indigenous Peoples Confederation (CONAIE) President Leonidas Iza on Wednesday threatened to stage protests if the government does not change its economic policies and abandon efforts to privatize electricity.
Iza said CONAIE, like other social organizations, is waiting for the administration of President Gustavo Noboa to respond to requests that it intervene to prevent bank failures and take concrete steps to revive the economy, beginning with a sensible farm policy.
The Indians and their allies are also calling for an end to privatizations, especially that of the Ecuadorian Institute of Social Security (IESS) and power companies. CONAIE demands a freeze on electricity rates, and even wants to see rates lowered for consumers in the poorest provinces.
The organization is also awaiting a government response to its demand that a series of increases in the prices of fuel and cooking gas be rolled back.
The warning from CONAIE is in tune with recent statements from unions, peasants, small-business owners, students and other groups represented by the Popular Front, all of which urged the government to implement a economic policy that benefits the nation as a whole, not just certain privileged groups.
The Popular Front is preparing to stage a mass protest against the Noboa administration in late February.
