LatinNews Daily - 05 July 2024

*Protests have been held in cities across Ecuador in rejection of the phasing out of petrol subsidies by President Daniel Noboa’s government. The elimination of the subsidies, which began on 28 June, was a risky move from Noboa, as attempts by previous governments to cut the subsidies have sparked major unrest. Yesterday’s protests, organised by the umbrella trade union Frente Unitaria de Trabajadores (FUT), were widespread but mostly drew only moderate crowds. Demonstrators clashed with police in the capital Quito, with at least two protesters reportedly arrested. Roads were partially blocked and tyres set alight in Guayaquil, the capital of Guayas province, while smaller demonstrations took place in provinces including Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, Tungurahua, Bolívar, Pastaza, and Cañar.