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Free Trade Deal Rejected in Ecuador
(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many Ecuadorian adults believe their country should not sign a commerce deal with the United States, according to a poll by Cedatos-Gallup. 50 per cent of respondents in the South American country disagree with Ecuador participating in a free trade agreement with the U.S.
Last year, public protests against the elected government intensified after the Supreme Court threw out pending charges of corruption and mishandling of funds against former presidents Abdalá Bucaram and Gustavo Noboa. In mid-April, then-president Lucio Gutiérrez instituted a 24-hour state of emergency. The National Congress later voted to oust the head of state and replace him with vice-president Alfredo Palacio.
Palacio—a cardiologist—had previously acted as Ecuador's minister of health and is not directly affiliated with any political party. The next presidential election is scheduled for Oct. 15.
Ecuador—which began its talks towards a free trade deal with the U.S. alongside Colombia and Peru—is now negotiating on its own. On Mar. 27, international commerce minister Jorge Illinworth said American trade representatives are open to "taking into account our sensibilities" and "allow us to reach a balanced agreement."
For the past three weeks, the Confederation of Indian Nations (CONAIE) has organized several public protests against the proposed deal. CONAIE vice-president Santiago de la Cruz urged for a nationwide referendum on the treaty, declaring, "This is an inconclusive deal put forth by a weak and fragile government."
Polling Data
Do you agree or disagree with Ecuador signing a free trade agreement with the United States?
Strongly agree | 13% |
Somewhat agree | 22% |
Somewhat disagree | 21% |
Strongly disagree | 29% |
Source: Cedatos/Gallup
Methodology: Interviews with 1,122 Ecuadorian adults, conducted from Mar. 15 to Mar. 18, 2006. Margin of error is 3.2 per cent.