President Noboa of Ecuador has recently appointed an interim vice president, Planning Minister Sariha Moya, amid a dispute with current Vice President Veronica Abad. The administration accused Abad of insubordination for refusing to relocate to Turkey from Israel due to security concerns arising from Israel’s conflict with Gaza. Despite a court overturning her suspension in December, Noboa has chosen Moya to serve as interim vice president until January 22 or until Abad reports to Turkey. This disagreement is just one of the challenges facing Noboa, who is up for re-election in February 2024.
Noboa’s presidency began in October 2023 after his predecessor, Guillermo Lasso, invoked the constitutional power of “crossed death” to dissolve the National Assembly and step down early. Noboa’s term has been marked by protests over frequent blackouts caused by a persistent drought that affected the hydroelectric power system. Additionally, the economy has struggled to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and violent crime has increased as drug-trafficking gangs operate in Ecuador. To address these challenges, Noboa has adopted a tough stance on crime, empowering the police and military to crack down on offenders and imposing harsher penalties.
Critics have raised concerns about the government’s approach to combating crime, citing instances of military overreach and abuse of power. A recent incident involving the discovery of burnt bodies of four missing boys near a military base in Taura has sparked outrage and protests. Surveillance footage suggests the involvement of military personnel in the boys’ abduction, leading to demands for a swift and thorough investigation. The delay in addressing this issue has further fueled public unrest and skepticism towards the government’s handling of security matters.
Noboa’s administration is also grappling with economic difficulties exacerbated by the pandemic, as well as social unrest and dissatisfaction over the government’s response to challenges facing the country. The upcoming general elections in February add pressure to the incumbent president, who is seeking re-election in a climate of uncertainty and public discontent. The future political landscape in Ecuador remains uncertain as Noboa navigates through a tumultuous term marked by challenges on various fronts, from economic stability to security and governance issues.
The ongoing feud between President Noboa and Vice President Abad reflects broader tensions within the government and highlights the complexities of governing a country facing multifaceted challenges. As Noboa attempts to address the country’s pressing issues, including the economy, crime, and public dissatisfaction, he must navigate a political landscape fraught with uncertainty and unrest. The outcome of the upcoming general elections will be crucial in determining the direction Ecuador takes in addressing its current predicaments and charting a path towards stability and progress in the future. Noboa’s leadership and ability to address the country’s diverse challenges will be put to the test as Ecuador approaches a critical juncture in its political trajectory.
