June 26, 2003 [LINK]
Gutierrez under fire in Ecuador
Former president Rodrigo Borja called on president Gutierrez to resign, and Gutierrez (who led a coup in January 2000) ironically accused Borja of being a coup plotter. The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities (CONAIE) demanded that president Lucio Gutierrez dismiss Economy Minister Mauricio Pozo (among others) and implement a new economic policy. Specifically, they want the recent hikes in public utility rates and gasoline prices to be rescinded, even though the government can ill afford to maintain the enormous subsidies. Since his inauguration in January, Gutierrez has pursued a more capital friendly course than many people expected, and many of the Indian leaders who supported his coup attempt in 2000 and his election last year now feel betrayed. [UPDATED]