Carondelet, ready to receive its dweller number 46

The permanence in the position, the characteristics of the decisions and the ideological tendency differs in each case. For example, Rafael Correa, the current president, has had one of the most extended stays in Carondelet.

The 45th governor was inaugurated on January 15, 2007, and will bid farewell to the presidential chair on May 24.

His predecessors did not run with the same fate.

Since August 1996, several men and one woman have held the presidency. Abdalá Bucaram broke the trend and began a stage of political instability.

He was followed by Rosalía Arteaga, for a few hours. The former president took office after Bucaram was declared unfit to hold the position. Three days later, Fabián Alarcón, president of the National Congress, was in office until 1998.

He was replaced by one of the most controversial names in the country. Jamil Mahuad was two years in power and, at that time, he dollarized the Ecuadorian economy. The questionable decisions cost him the presidency and his vice president, Gustavo Noboa, filled his space for the remaining two years.

A similar chapter was lived by Lucio Gutierrez and his formula partner, Alfredo Palacio. Then Correa arrived.

Until Bucaram, Ecuador experienced a period of stability. Since the return to democracy – in 1978 – the majority of presidents fulfilled their terms although none was reelected. Only Jaime Roldós did not finish his term due to his tragic death in a plane crash. Vice President Osvaldo Hurtado took his place.

Then followed names like Leon Febres-Cordero, Rodrigo Borja, and Sixto Durán-Ballén. They, despite criticism from some sectors, had no problem to remain in power for the period for which they were elected.