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Four police officers were injured and rushed to the hospital as opposition protests on Thursday turned violent in Quito, attempting to break police lines with metal tubes, sticks and rocks.
Marchers attempted to break into Independence Plaza, where government supporters were gathered, and to occupy the Carondelet Presidential Palace.
teleSUR spoke to some of the thousands of people who filled the plaza, to support the government of President Rafael Correa in the face of right-wing destabilization attempts.
Michelle Moreano told teleSUR English, "Coup plotters will not come near us. This is something that was planned a long time ago. President Correa already knew about this. And we are the people here defending this revolution, defending what is ours, principally what are the inheritance and capital gains laws. Because this does not affect the middle class. It is only 2% of the population."
Government supporter Moises Obando told teleSUR English, “The opposition will never be able to break through these barriers which we, the Ecuadorean people, have put up. They are against millions of Ecuadoreans who support this process of the Citizen's Revolution. This is a government which has served the interests of the poorest, of the oppressed, and of the popular classes."
Meanwhile, leaders of the opposition such as Mayor of Guayaquil Jaime Nebot, Mayor of Quito Mauricio Rodas and head of the Azuay province government Paul Carrasco met in Guayaquil Thursday and told the press that they are planning for marches to continue following the visit of Pope Francis to the country from July 5 to 8.
Mayor of Quito Mauricio Rodas told the press, "If they are not able to respond to the demands of the people of Quito and of other cities in Ecuador, if the voices of citizens are not taken into account, if they are not considered, or valued, we will convoke a massive march in the city of Quito."
Security simulations have been completed in both Quito and Guayaquil, to ensure the safety of Pope Francis and citizens, as violence and further protests are a concern of the authorities.
The opposition continues refusing to debate wealth redistribution bills, and have said they will continue marching, demanding a change of government.
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