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
Truck bomb attack near police station in Colombia leaves 14 injured ahead of presidential inauguration
A truck loaded with explosives exploded on Saturday near a police station in the Colombian city of Cúcuta, close to the Venezuelan border, leaving 14 people injured in an attack that occurred six days before president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella’s inauguration.
The blast took place in the early hours of the morning and was allegedly carried out by members of the National Liberation Army (ELN), who detonated a vehicle packed with explosives. According to the latest report from the Colombian Army, the attack injured 11 police officers and three civilians.
The explosion involved around 15 explosive devices, and two of the wounded officers are in critical condition and “fighting for their lives,” said William Villamizar, governor of Norte de Santander, the region where the attack occurred.
The incident comes amid Colombia’s worst wave of violence in the past decade, with armed groups expanding their presence in several areas of the country.
“I strongly condemn the cowardly terrorist attack carried out in Cúcuta against our National Police. Terrorism will not intimidate Colombia or break the determination of Colombians to live in peace and security,” De la Espriella said in a post on X.
The conservative lawyer, who has been described as a far-right figure, will take office on August 7, replacing Gustavo Petro, Colombia’s first left-wing president. The inauguration ceremony will be held in Cali, the country’s third-largest city and a frequent target of attacks by armed groups.
The United Nations condemned what it described as an “indiscriminate attack” that caused not only injuries but also “fear and distress among the population.”
De la Espriella has repeatedly warned about an alleged plot against his life. Meanwhile, President Gustavo Petro, who is currently visiting Cuba, has not commented on the attack. During his visit, Petro met with Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel to discuss what Havana describes as the United States’ “policy of suffocation” toward the island.
International
EU Faces Migration Crisis After 60,000 Migrants Arrive in Spain’s Ceuta Enclave
The arrival of around 60,000 migrants from Morocco to Spain’s Ceuta enclave triggered a major European Union crisis on Friday, after Madrid described the situation as an “attack” on its territorial integrity.
At least 34 people died while attempting to reach the Spanish territory, according to local authorities.
Hundreds of migrants had begun arriving in Ceuta earlier in the week, either by swimming across the border or climbing security fences. Most of those who entered were young men and teenagers.
However, the situation escalated dramatically early Thursday morning, when the number of arrivals surged within a few hours, reaching nearly 60,000 people. According to the Spanish government, the vast majority of them — around 48,000 migrants — had returned to Morocco by Friday evening.
The episode represents one of the most serious migration crises faced by the autonomous city of Ceuta, which has a population of around 84,000 residents, in recent years.
Several European countries responded strongly to the crisis, with Italy announcing the temporary suspension of the Schengen free movement agreement with Spain, a measure supported by Finland and Denmark.
“The temporary suspension of Schengen with Spain is a necessary decision to protect the security of our citizens and defend Europe’s borders,” Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said in a post on X.
Italy’s Interior Ministry confirmed that the country had tightened controls on maritime and air entry points from Spain, but clarified that the measure would not affect Spanish or European citizens traveling to Italy.
The additional checks will specifically target non-European citizens arriving from Spain, according to the ministry.
The measure will remain in effect for one month starting Saturday, authorities said.
Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares responded to the Italian announcement through a statement on X, as European governments continued discussions over the consequences of the migration crisis.
International
Chuck Schumer Unveils Proposal to Strengthen Oversight of the U.S. Presidency
U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer on Thursday announced legislation to establish a federal anti-corruption office aimed at strengthening oversight of the executive branch and preventing future presidents from using the White House for personal financial gain.
Schumer said the proposal was prompted by what he described as President Donald Trump’s misuse of the presidencyto benefit his family’s business interests.
“In just 18 months, the Trump family has made more than $4 billion by exploiting the influence of the presidency,” Schumer alleged.
The New York senator also argued that the alleged corruption has had direct economic consequences for American households.
“The same corrupt practices Trump is using to pocket billions of dollars are also forcing Americans to pay, on average, $3,100 more each year because of the rising cost of living,” he said.
The legislation was introduced alongside Democratic Senators Alex Padilla, Jeff Merkley, and Andy Kim.
According to Schumer, the bill has two primary objectives: “First, to return money to the American people. Second, to ensure that no one can ever steal from them again.”
He added that the proposal would create legal mechanisms allowing citizens to seek the recovery of funds allegedly obtained through government corruption.
“The fact that Trump stole money from the American people does not make it his. Americans deserve to get that money back,” Schumer said.
Under the proposed legislation, any U.S. citizen—as well as state attorneys general acting on behalf of their residents—would be authorized to file civil lawsuits to recover funds allegedly acquired through corrupt practices by public officials.
“Our bill would empower any individual, including a state attorney general acting on behalf of the people of that state, to bring legal action to recover money stolen from the public through government corruption,” Schumer said.
The measure is expected to face debate in Congress, where Republicans and Democrats remain deeply divided over executive accountability and the scope of presidential powers.
Truck bomb attack near police station in Colombia leaves 14 injured ahead of presidential inauguration
EU Faces Migration Crisis After 60,000 Migrants Arrive in Spain’s Ceuta Enclave
Chuck Schumer Unveils Proposal to Strengthen Oversight of the U.S. Presidency
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