2024-07-10 10:06:22
The prefect of Cotopaxi and indigenous leader, Lourdes Tibán, spoke out about the concerns of the indigenous movement regarding the elimination of fuel subsidies, stressing the need to seek alternatives that do not affect the most vulnerable sectors of the country.
He said the removal of subsidies is a temporary measure that can ease state finances in the short term, but does not offer a sustainable long-term solution. “Eliminating the subsidy will solve economic problems for a few months, but what will happen after that?” Tibán questioned, noting that needs in sectors such as health, education and infrastructure development will continue to be neglected.
The prefect recalled the mobilizations of 2019 and 2022, which were triggered by reductions in subsidies, and criticized the ineffectiveness of the dialogue tables established with the government. “The mobilizations have been a tool against any government, but the results of the dialogue tables have been insufficient,” she said. In light of this, she emphasized the need for genuine dialogue that produces concrete results and does not only act as a mechanism to defuse protests.
From her position as prefect, Tibán said that being in closer contact with the communities has allowed her to understand their concerns first-hand. The indigenous bases demand immediate responses to historical problems such as the lack of roads, health, education and housing. In addition, she criticized the elimination of bonuses for people with disabilities and the elderly, describing it as a priority that the government must urgently address.
Referring to the violence that occurred during the protests, he distanced himself from the acts of vandalism, attributing them to infiltrators who damaged the image of the indigenous movement. “The indigenous movement will never be vandalistic,” he said, reiterating his position in favor of peaceful protests.
Finally, she spoke about leadership within the indigenous movement, advocating for the diversity of opinions and strategies. “Each person cultivates their leadership and is unique in their process,” she said, highlighting the importance of maintaining the movement’s philosophical principles while navigating current political complexities.
By: Ecuavisa Live