Clashes Erupt in Quito as Protesters Demand President Noboa's Resignation

Clashes broke out in Quito, Ecuador, on Thursday, September 11, 2025, as thousands of demonstrators rallied against President Daniel Noboa’s government, demanding his resignation. The protest, organized by a coalition of social organizations including the Indigenous group CONAIE, the United Workers Front (FUT), and the National Union of Educators (UNE), was sparked by widespread discontent over Noboa’s proposed $80 million national referendum, recent austerity measures, and allegations of authoritarian governance.[1][2][3]

Protesters Confront Police in City Center

Demonstrators marched towards the city center, converging near the presidential palace, where they were met by a heavy police presence. Riot police deployed tear gas to disperse the crowds, leading to chaotic scenes and bringing the demonstration to an abrupt end. Protesters accused Noboa of pressuring the Constitutional Court and failing to address urgent issues such as unemployment, medicine shortages, and lack of school supplies. Many also cited recent job cuts and wage reductions as key grievances, with thousands of public sector layoffs attributed to Noboa’s austerity policies.[1][2][3]

Political Tensions and Government Response

On the same day, President Noboa led a pro-government march in Guayaquil, defending his administration’s security policies and ongoing campaign against organized crime. Noboa, who began his second term in May, has prioritized fighting criminal gangs linked to drug trafficking, arguing that these groups are responsible for Ecuador’s sharp rise in violent deaths this year. The government has maintained that its focus remains on combating violence and restoring public order, but officials did not immediately report the number of injuries or arrests following Thursday’s unrest.[1][3]

Divided Public Opinion and Ongoing Unrest

The protests reflect deepening divisions within Ecuadorian society, as opposition leaders and civil society groups accuse Noboa of undermining democratic institutions and ignoring the country’s economic and social crises. While the president’s supporters point to his tough stance on crime and international backing, critics warn that his policies risk further destabilizing the nation. The situation remains tense, with both sides vowing to continue their respective campaigns in the coming days.[1][2][3]

International outlets have highlighted the scale of the demonstrations and the government’s forceful response, while local sources emphasize the role of grassroots organizations and the specific grievances driving the unrest. No major incidents of misinformation have been reported, but the lack of official data on casualties and arrests has fueled speculation and concern among observers.