Economic reforms to challenge Ecuador’s Moreno in 2020
Subject Ecuador's economic difficulties. Significance A government attempt to remove fuel subsidies triggered a wave of protests in October, which left several protesters dead and thousands injured. The unrest illustrates the difficulty President Lenin Moreno faces in implementing economic reforms and austerity policies linked to his government’s agreements with the IMF. The scale of the mobilisations forced the government to overturn its decision to remove the fuel subsidies and enter into negotiations with organisations and movements involved in the protests. While the government has since made some progress with its reform agenda, more challenging tasks lie ahead. Impacts Preventing social disorder will be essential for Moreno as he attempts to restore his credibility ahead of next year’s elections. Further disorder will bolster Rafael Correa’s popularity, as he seeks spaces in which to participate in the elections. Moreno will continue to seek alternative sources of external funding to cover holes in the public finances.