El presidente de la República dijo que el país requiere que todos los actores políticos dialoguen para resolver problemas complejos como la pobreza y la delincuencia.
The dynamics changed after the dissolution of the National Assembly. President Guillermo Lasso could not deliver his report to the Nation, as established by the Constitution before the legislators, but the Government put together its own accountability scheme.
Lasso presented the report on the fulfillment of the National Development Plan, as well as the objectives that he hopes to achieve during the next six months in the Social Development Platform, located in the South of the City.
The president highlighted his decision to dissolve the National Assembly -in a decision supported by the majority, he said-, and called for a national dialogue between all political actors.
The report to the Nation
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05/24/2023
11:35 a.m.
Corruption
Lasso assured that anyone can build roads, bridges, hospitals, or schools. But he added that not everyone can fight hard against corruption .
He explained that “corruption is a monster whose tentacles are embracing society if the correct and timely measures are not taken, both in the public and private sectors.”
He added that corruption corrodes the structure of the State and puts democracy itself at risk. And that is why her government has fought against it and has managed to recover USD 340 million that was stolen from the Social Security of the Police.
He also highlighted the liquidation of Seguros Sucre, which put an end to “a USD 200 million scam that the State suffered every year.”
In addition, he pointed out that corruption is also trying to make impunity pacts; it is also to collect the salary without working or doing it badly; it is also deliberately boycotting national development; twist the truth and try to deceive the Ecuadorian people.
He said that his government has fought corruption at all times, from day one. And that is why they have attacked him.
At the end, Lasso thanked the Vice President of the Republic, Alfredo Borrero, “for his unwavering support throughout these last months of threats and pressure. No one ever dared to question your loyalty .”
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05/24/2023
11:35 a.m.
Security
The last subject addressed by Lasso was citizen security. He said that today the country is facing a difficult stage, but he assured that the State continues to fight fiercely the mafias that want to destroy society.
“And we will not lower our arms for a single moment! Last year we declared drug trafficking the main enemy of Ecuador, illegal mining a threat to state security. And the National Security Council decided to declare certain criminal acts as terrorism,” he explained.
And he added that this is a fight that is not only the responsibility of the government, but that it is a problem of the Ecuadorian State and, as such, it demands that all members of the country act together.
Lasso indicated that organized crime cannot be allowed to try to dominate Ecuador with the complicity of political traitors to the homeland, or bad judicial servants.
In numerical terms, Lasso said that in his Government the Police have carried out more than two million control and public order operations.
3,000 criminal organizations have been broken up and 16,000 firearms confiscated. A record 420 tons of drugs have been seized in two years, an amount equivalent to five times the annual average of what has been seized in the last 15 years.
He assured that the Government is providing police with more equipment, weapons, ammunition, bulletproof vests, patrol vehicles. And also armored cars that will be delivered to the Armed Forces for the fight against terrorism .
“We are advancing towards our objective of incorporating 30,000 police officers to complete the 80,000 troops by 2025. In 2022, 1,624 were incorporated; in June we will graduate 8,500; until December, 5,000 more police officers will join”.
Regarding the Armed Forces, Lasso said that in parallel with their mission to monitor air, sea and land borders, they continue to collaborate with the National Police in patrolling cities and highways.
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05/24/2023
11:35 a.m.
Energy and environment
Lasso assured that nature is the country’s greatest treasure. And that is why he highlighted the largest debt-for-conservation swap in the history of humanity: USD 1.6 billion in exchange for protecting the Galapagos Marine Reserve and the Hermandad Reserve, which make up 198,000 square kilometers of surface area, and guarantee the preservation of at least of 2,500 marine species.
He also stressed that his Government has obtained USD 400 million in international cooperation, to achieve the goals towards the ecological transition.
“Today we have 11 new water protection areas, which include forests and moors. Until May 2021 there were 54,000 protected hectares; now there are 173,000, more than triple ”, he explained.
He also said that thanks to the renegotiation of oil contracts, “this national industry is no longer the spoils of corruption.” And that every day its production is sought to meet the most demanding standards of environmental care.
He explained that the sale of oil gives the country resources for health, education, housing, social protection, work and security.
Regarding the energy service, Lasso explained that today more Ecuadorians have access to electricity , which means more productivity and more income for families. At the end of 2022, Ecuador had 97.3% coverage, exceeding the regional average of 95.9%.
Regarding mining, the president indicated that with only two mines in production: Mirador and Fruta del Norte , in 2022 exports were for USD 2,775 million and it became the fourth item of exports.
He clarified that his Government will always combat illegal mining, which is a source of corruption, tax evasion and even violence. For this reason, the Special Commission to Combat Illegal Mining was reactivated , declaring this activity a threat to State security.
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05/24/2023
11:35 a.m.
Employment
From the beginning of the Government and until April 2023, according to Lasso, around 500,000 jobs were generated. But also, he recalled that USD 25 has been increased each year to the basic salary, which today is USD 450 per month.
“Thanks to our actions, unemployment was reduced from 6.3% to 3.2% until April 2023, the lowest level in recent history,” said the President of the Republic.
And he added that through BanEcuador, until May 16, 2023, USD 959 million in credits were delivered, of which USD 249 million correspond to 1×30 credits, to a total of 241,262 beneficiaries, throughout the country. .
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05/24/2023
11:35 a.m.
Foreign trade
Regarding foreign trade, Lasso assured his government is working to finalize trade agreements with around 10 countries.
He recalled that treaties were signed with Costa Rica and China, a country that he classified as a market of 1.4 billion potential consumers. And he announced in the coming months he will sign with South Korea.
The agreement with China, explained Lasso, could mean an increase of USD 3,000 to 4,000 additional million in exports until 2030 . “The best thing is that eight out of 10 companies that export to China are micro, small or medium-sized companies, which means more jobs and more income for thousands of families.”
This increase in foreign sales, according to Lasso, means that the country must produce more .
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05/24/2023
11:35 a.m.
Social
This year, the Government has invested more than USD 15,000 million for the social sector. Which, according to Lasso, is the highest figure in the nation’s history. “It is not true that my government works for the richest, my government works for all Ecuadorians.”
He added that the greatest efforts have been in education, health, security, job creation, and housing.
Regarding education, he stated that in 2022 the budget was USD 3.4 billion, and in 2023, it grew to USD 4.008 billion.
On infrastructure issues, Lasso explained that his administration built 16 new educational units in the first 18 months of government. And in 2023 there will be 16 more for 18,000 students.
Lasso said the winter has been harsh and the El Niño phenomenon will be even more challenging. Therefore, USD 150 million have been allocated to fix the affected educational institutions .
He also recalled and highlighted the elimination of the entrance exam to higher education, and the academic offer has been expanded by 14%, the places available for high school graduates in the country.
“My Government has done all this for the education of children and young people, technical education and higher education. In our Government you have the freedom to choose, not the Government, ”she assured.
The President explained that, with an investment of USD 15 million, they promoted scholarship and financial aid programs, generating opportunities for more than 4,500 citizens of the 24 provinces of the country.
And that during the year 2023, with an investment of USD 23.5 million, the project of 25,000 new scholarships and financial aid is maintained . It also offered the construction of four new universities with headquarters in Orellana, Sucumbíos, Morona Santiago and Zamora Chinchipe.
In health, Lasso explained, there has been an investment of USD 200 million. With which the inauguration of the hospitals of Durán, Bahía and Manta was achieved , in addition to the health centers of Machala. In a few days – Lasso offered – the Government will hand over the Pedernales hospital.
“There they are, in full view of all, four new hospitals, and 53 hospitals that will be repowered this year . There are the 2,500 health professionals hired in the first quarter of 2023, to which 11,000 more will be added until the end of this year, ”he said.
In addition, he assured that USD 10.6 million have been allocated to finance scholarships for primary care technicians , medical and nursing specializations. And that in 2023 they will invest USD 202 million in the purchase of equipment and improvement of surgical centers in 10 provinces. As well as for the purchase of 158 land ambulances and four river ambulances.
According to Lasso, in 2023 investment in health increased to USD 3,521 million, that is, USD 254 million more than in the previous year.
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05/24/2023
11:35 a.m.
Economy
In economic terms, the President explained that the budget deficit went from USD 7,500 million to almost USD 2,000 million in the last year.
While with 3.7% inflation, the Ecuadorian economy closed 2022 as the second lowest in the region. And in 2023 it is expected that it will reach first place among the most controlled inflations, with 1.4%.
According to the IMF, Lasso said, this year Ecuador will grow close to 3% in economic terms, which is almost double the regional average growth forecast for Latin America.
On public debt, the president indicated that it currently represents 55% of GDP , which is 12% less than three years ago.
It also reported that accumulated sales in 2022 were USD 226 million, more than double 6% of GDP and 13% more than in 2021.
He stressed that during his administration , 1.1 million Ecuadorians have been lifted out of poverty and 500,000 new jobs have been created .
In parallel, Lasso said, a “severe control” of tax evaders began, which increased collection to USD 17,000 million at the end of 2022, almost USD 3,000 million more than in the previous year.
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05/24/2023
11:35 a.m.
Policy
President Guillermo Lasso began his Report to the Nation 2023 with an exaltation to the 201 years of the Battle of Pichincha. He assured that Ecuador has been able to get out of deep crises and always choose democracy.
He recalled that, eight days ago, he put an end to a political confrontation that had the country in a crisis that worsened over time. “Dissolving the National Assembly on the basis of article 148, closed a long chapter of deinstitutionalization of the country and has the support of more than 80% of the Ecuadorian people.”
After this decision, he added, never again will a President of the Republic be left in the hands of an Assembly, which is dedicated to conspiring. Now, according to Lasso, it is time for the citizens, through the vote, to decide on this political crisis and decide the future of the country at the polls.
Lasso said that other countries, through their ambassadors, supported the cross death. He also highlighted that the Constitutional Court and the National Electoral Council endorsed the constitutionality of this measure.
“Now, Ecuadorians must elect a new Government and another Assembly. A democratic act. With humility , I ask you to choose the best Ecuadorians to prevent this from happening again and lead the country towards a better destiny”, he said.
He also mentioned that these elections are an opportunity to find a national agreement and for the entire country to unite in search of a single front to fight for security, which is the main issue of State today.
The President added that his most recent decisions have shown that he is willing to part with power, “even more so if it is about protecting democracy in Ecuador.”
He pointed out that dialogue is the best tool of democracy. And that the country requires that all political and social actors sit down to define the best strategies to solve complex problems such as poverty and crime.
“We need national projects and common objectives that guide the country towards the same horizon. For the poorest, for the most vulnerable, for the humble, for all those who trust that their leaders will work for them and for their future, it is time to finalize an agreement called Ecuador”, said President Guillermo Lasso.
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05/24/2023
11:35 a.m.
Military honors for the president
With a red carpet and routine military honors, at 11:30, President Guillermo Lasso arrived at the Quitumbe Platform.
The President is accompanied by the first lady, María de Lourdes Alcívar. Lasso is expected to give a speech in this place and, later, he will go to the airport to travel to the United States for surgery.
A group of supporters was also there to receive the president. “Lasso, president”, they repeated on a few occasions. Some also took the opportunity to take a photo with the president.
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05/24/2023
11:02
The cabinet ready
César Rohón, who was recently appointed Minister of Public Works, arrived at the auditorium. Despite previous versions of his supposed departure from the Cabinet, the ministers Juan Zapata (Interior) and Fernando Santos Alvite (Energy) also attend.
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05/24/2023
10:56
The guests of the Report to the Nation arrive
From 10:30 on May 24, 2023, the guests of President Guillermo Lasso for his second Report to the Nation began to arrive at the Quitumbe Social Platform auditorium.
Among the attendees are the former legislators who supported the President in the political trial that followed the Assembly, before it was dissolved. For example, the former president of the Legislature, Guadalupe Llori, attends.
Diplomats accredited to the country also entered, such as Michael Fitzpatrick, United States ambassador to Ecuador.
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05/24/2023
10:11
Lasso: We will defeat organized crime
President Guillermo Lasso led the military ceremony to commemorate the 201st anniversary of the Battle of Pichincha, at the Temple of the Fatherland .
There, after recalling the heroes of history and the unknown soldiers, he stressed that today the will to defend freedom, democracy and its values remains intact.
“Today we feel that we can continue to move faster towards the country of prosperity,” said the president.
And he took the opportunity to highlight, for example, the signing of the decree law to promote investment , with “the certainty that there are clear rules and that this is a serious, responsible and honest government.”
Lasso dedicated most of his short speech to the Armed Forces and the Police.
“Ecuador is writing new pages of glory with our FF. AA. and the Police because we are fighting another battle, it is a fight for peace and national development , “he said.
“We will defeat the organized crime that intends with its terrorist acts to take away our lives, freedom and peace ”, he added.
He assured that the government will not give ground and offered to confront organized crime with all the force that the State has.
” My government and the entire country support you brothers in uniform because nothing is more important than defending life.”
And he ended by highlighting the loyalty of the Armed Forces that, among other things, “have not hesitated to respect the Constitution and the decision I made to dissolve the National Assembly.”
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05/24/2023
9:33
Citizen Fair in the South
An hour and a half after the start of President Guillermo Lasso’s Report to the Nation, outside the Quitumbe Social Platform, there is a security operation confirmed by police and military.
In addition, in the patio next to the main access to the property, several tents from public institutions were located, in what has been called the citizen’s fair.