Published May 12, 2011 | By Alessandra Wasserstrom

President Rafael Correa’s staunch socialist policies have put a strain on the country both economically and politically. Correa has angered both actors inside and outside the country, which has led to widespread protests throughout his two terms. Elected to his second term in 2009, Correa declared Ecuador’s default on billions of dollars in loans, adding to the countries economic pressures. Correa also extended his power via a referendum, undermining the legitimacy of the government. Tension between aggrieved unions and social groups and Correa supporters has steadily been rising, compounding the effects of continued uneven economic development. Correa faced an attempted coup in September 2010 and declared a state of emergency during this time.