International
Noboa’s 100 days in office: Ecuador’s president steers tough crime policies and economic overhauls
Ecuador’s President, Daniel Noboa, celebrates one hundred days in office with significant popularity, attributed to his firm stance against crime, declaring an “internal armed conflict,” and driving economic reforms to stabilize the state’s finances, including an increase in the value-added tax (VAT).
Assuming office at 35 in November last year, the youngest president in Ecuador’s democratic history inherited a nation grappling with soaring crime rates, primarily driven by criminal syndicates, notably those involved in drug trafficking. Additionally, Ecuador faced a substantial fiscal deficit of $4.8 billion, nearly 5% of the gross domestic product (GDP).
Noboa has garnered support for economic reforms in the National Assembly, a body that acted as a barrier for his predecessor Guillermo Lasso between 2021 and 2023.
Noboa’s Economic Reforms
The government’s political maneuverability, manifested in “mobile majorities” in the Assembly, has facilitated Noboa’s efforts to raise additional funds to address the country’s economic crisis and combat insecurity. Notably, the VAT increased from 12% to 15% starting April.
On January 9, the government faced one of the toughest moments in recent years when an armed group stormed a television channel during a live broadcast, coinciding with violent incidents in the streets and riots in several prisons, resulting in the release of 200 hostages, including police officers and guards.
All this occurred amid a state of emergency, followed by the declaration of an “internal armed conflict” against criminal gangs, which Noboa labeled as “terrorists.”
Intervention in Prisons
Simultaneously, the police and armed forces intervened in prisons, which had become centers of the security crisis, controlled by criminal gangs responsible for a series of prison massacres since 2020, claiming over 450 inmate lives.
During this period, over 64 tons of drugs have been seized, including the largest cocaine haul in the country’s history, totaling 21.5 tons found on a rural estate.
Political analyst Cristian Carpio views security as the linchpin of the government’s sustainability.
“The declaration of an internal armed conflict provided the president with political legitimacy to advance his actions and garnered increased support from the citizenry,” he told EFE.
He attributes the lack of significant opposition to the VAT hike, certain reforms, or Noboa’s announcement to analyze the elimination of fuel subsidies to the “perception” of security. However, Carpio anticipates potential shifts as citizens feel the economic effects of these measures, prompting the government to pivot towards job creation.
Fulfilling a campaign promise to convene a referendum, Ecuadorians will vote on April 21 to respond to eleven questions, mostly pertaining to security.
“The government leveraged the referendum on security issues, which not only bolstered its legitimacy among the populace but also before the Constitutional Court. I’m not sure if, under different circumstances, steps would have been taken, such as the issue of hourly work, which has been a red line in Ecuador’s politics,” he said.
According to the analyst, Noboa has “high chances of winning the referendum,” paving the way for a reelection campaign.
Political Capital in the Pre-election Year
Carpio highlights Noboa’s enduring political honeymoon three months into his presidency, enjoying popularity ranging from 70% to 80% according to various polls. However, he expresses concern over potential declines due to the economic measures.
“Nevertheless, it’s a significant political capital, especially in a pre-election year,” he emphasized, noting that Ecuadorians will elect a new president in 2025, as Noboa was elected to complete Lasso’s term until May of that year.
International
Petro expresses concern over fatal shooting during mass protests in Lima
Colombian President Gustavo Petro voiced his “concern” on Thursday over recent events in Peru, following the death of a protester reportedly shot during a massive demonstration in Lima against the government and Congress.
“I must express my concern over the events in Peru. A young artist has been killed in citizens’ protests,” Petro wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
The Colombian leader also noted that in Peru, “a popularly elected president remains imprisoned without conviction,” referring to Pedro Castillo, who led the country from July 2021 to December 2022 until he was removed by Congress following a failed attempted coup.
“This is a blatant violation of the American Convention on Human Rights,” Petro stated, adding, “I hope Peru seeks social and political dialogue to legitimize its public institutions.”
On Wednesday, Peru experienced widespread protests in several cities, with the largest demonstration in Lima in recent years, driven by citizens’ concerns over corruption and public insecurity.
During the capital’s mobilization, the Ombudsman’s Office confirmed the death of Eduardo Ruiz, 32, and reported clashes that left over 100 injured, including 78 police officers and 24 protesters, as well as ten arrests.
The Attorney General’s Office, investigating Ruiz’s death “in the context of serious human rights violations,” confirmed that the protester was shot.
International
Peru’s interim president José Jerí refuses to resign after protester’s death in Lima
Peru’s interim president, José Jerí, stated Thursday that he has no intention of resigning from the post he assumed last Friday, following the removal of former president Dina Boluarte, despite growing unrest over the death of a protester during massive demonstrations in Lima on Wednesday.
“I will not resign,” Jerí declared outside the Government Palace in Lima, where he returned on foot after making a surprise visit to Congress headquarters alongside Prime Minister Ernesto Álvarez.
Earlier, after leaving the Legislative Palace, the president acknowledged that the country is going through “difficult times” and condemned what he described as “a small group attempting to impose an agenda different from the citizens’ expression of discontent.”
Jerí expressed condolences for the death of Eduardo Ruiz, a 32-year-old man who died during Wednesday’s protest against the government and Congress, amid growing anger over corruption and insecurity.
“We stand in solidarity with his family,” he said, without offering further details about the incident, which has sparked outrage among Peruvians.
The president also described the demonstrations as “a legitimate civic expression” that later turned violent due to “certain groups seeking to provoke chaos by exploiting a peaceful citizen movement.”
“In a state governed by the rule of law, the rights of both demonstrators and security forces must be protected,” Jerí emphasized, adding that “as a result of that situation, this unfortunate death occurred outside the main area where the protest was taking place.”
International
Mexican government prioritizes 191 communities after deadly floods
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed on Wednesday that the death toll from recent rains and floods across several central states has risen to 66, while the federal government has activated air bridges and prioritized assistance in 191 isolated communities.
“Unfortunately, 66 people have died, and 75 remain missing,” the president said during her morning press conference. She added that the official death toll will be updated later in a new report.
As of Tuesday, authorities had reported 64 fatalities. Sheinbaum also announced the creation of a public information center to centralize official data on the deceased, missing persons, damaged homes, and cut-off communities.
According to the president, the number of missing persons has decreased thanks to coordination with state authorities.
“Through calls to phone line 079, 103 people who had been reported missing have now been located,” she explained.
Priority Municipalities
The president noted that the federal government has classified 191 communities as ‘priority’, a designation based mainly on the percentage of homes affected.
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