Noboa on Abad: “Going against your own government is disloyal, it is not correct”

The economic, security, employment, fight against drug trafficking and other issues were addressed this May 17, 2024 by the President of the Republic, Daniel Noboa, on Tribuna EFE from the Casa de América in Madrid, Spain.

The Head of State addressed the actions undertaken in the economic, security, foreign relations and other fields.
Photo: Courtesy of the Presidency of the Republic.

In this space, Noboa spoke with Miguel Ángel Oliver, Director of Information of the EFE Agency, about the first six months of his government and the challenges he will take on in this second stage for the benefit of Ecuadorians.

Economic situation: The Head of State explained that in November of last year he received a country with USD 4.6 billion in payment arrears, an energy crisis and high levels of violence. For this reason, he immediately focused on organizing the finances and restoring the country’s security. During this period, five economic laws were approved with an absolute majority in the Legislature, the country’s risk was reduced and 105,000 new jobs were created for young people.

President Noboa pointed out that “the resources from international agreements will be invested in works, investment, health and education.” Furthermore, he assured that in the new agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), “there are no preconditions from the organization, since the needs of Ecuadorians were prioritized.”

Fight against narcoterrorism: The President mentioned that with the execution of the Phoenix Plan it was possible to reduce the high rates of violence, as evidence. “Uncomfortable measures with political decision” were also carried out within the prison system, collaborating with the National Police and even with State contractors linked to organized crime. The President announced that the government is finalizing the legal procedures to begin construction of the first penitentiary center in Santa Elena, which would begin in the coming weeks.

Fight against transnational crime: The Head of State pointed out that Ecuador is used by mafias to transport drugs to North American or European ports. In that sense, he indicated the importance of joining efforts and cooperation to protect Ecuadorian borders and ports, as well as preventing people linked to narcoterrorism from being suppliers to the State. In addition, he highlighted that the National Police carries out operations to capture the most wanted with positive results.

Diplomatic relations with Mexico: President Noboa insisted that Ecuador “is open to settling differences with Mexico, as long as the principles of non-intervention and not interfering in judicial issues of each country are respected.” He recalled that Jorge Glas was convicted and sentenced by the Ecuadorian justice system, so it would be a “terrible precedent for Ecuador to make him available to Mexico for asylum.” He expressed that the country will defend this situation in international bodies and highlighted that after the government’s decision to recapture Jorge Glas, international support has increased, with displays of solidarity from the United States and Europe. In addition, Ecuador will lead the Antiterrorism Secretariat in the Organization of American States (OAS).

The situation with the Vice President: President Noboa finally referred to the latest statements by the Vice President of the Nation, Verónica Abad: “I do not agree, in almost anything, with the vice president’s behavior in recent months. Go against of his own government is disloyal and not correct,” he said.

Targeting of subsidies:  The President expressed that he is not going to touch and does not intend to touch the subsidies for diesel and gas, because they have a “direct correlation with inflation, with the cost of living, with transportation, with agriculture.”

For this reason, he reiterated that this measure, for this moment, cannot be done. Instead, he mentioned that they are thinking about “targeting subsidies for extra and eco-country fuels, which are low-octane gasoline or gasoline.” He added that the percentage of its consumption is “quite low on a national scale.”