QUITO, Ecuador. – Amid protests against economic measures harmful to the population and after hours of clashes on Monday between demonstrators and the police in Quito, the Ecuadorian Government moved its headquarters to the port city of Guayaquil.

The crisis detonated following the announcement by President Lenin Moreno of a group of measures to reduce public spending, including the elimination of fuel subsidies.

Protests intensified, hundreds of detainees are being held, and on Monday representatives of indigenous peoples and nationalities and workers confirmed they will stand against the government’s actions, which are part of an agreement with the Monetary Fund in exchange for money to shore up public finances.

Tear-gas Bombs and Pellets against Protesters in Quito

Two demonstrations that were intended to arrive on Monday at the Historic Center of Quito, Ecuador, were dispersed with tear gas and pellets by police and military personnel

In announcing the change of the power headquarters to Guayaquil, the President emphasized he will not reverse the measures still with popular discontent.