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After a lull during Pope Francis’s recent visit to Ecuador, right-wing demonstrators returned to the streets Thursday rallied in front of the ruling PAIS Alliance’s party headquarters in Quito to protest Ecuadorean president Rafael Correa's tax reforms aimed at redistributing wealth and combating inequality.
The protest comes after repeated calls by the president for opposition members to debate the reforms, rather than resort to rallies, which have at times become violent, and despite calls by Pope Francis for dialogue instead of conflict.
The few hundred demonstrators were peaceful this time; the very low turn-out seems to be a sign of decreasing support for the protests, even among the wealthy, who would be most affected by the reforms.
The right-wing protesters had been protesting almost daily or weekly, pausing only during the visit of Pope Francis that began Sunday and ended Wednesday.
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Privileged sectors opposed to the government — which have historically benefited from very low to no taxes — claimed the proposed reforms affect all Ecuadoreans, despite government claims they would affect just the wealthiest 2 percent of the population.
While in Ecuador, Pope Francis backed Correa and his efforts against inequality and in favor of social inclusion.
The pontiff also called on the wealthy right-wing opposition to accept the president's invitation to debate the reforms.
On Thursday, Correa said he hopes there will be a shift from the violent protests the country experienced in recent weeks, to peaceful dialogue.
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“The doors are open to everyone to have discussion based on the truth and a common goal, which is the homeland,” Correa said. “Dialogue is about what country we want in terms of social justice ... We have to … confront each other with ideas, not in the streets with stones, breaking the legs of the police.”
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