“we made history today“ Ecuador is lowering its debt by 1.1 billion dollars, and more importantly, the Galapagos Islands serve as a guarantee for protecting our seas, according to a statement from President William Lasso. The president’s jubilant tone on social media masked a growing political crisis: Congress, the National Assembly, had decided to press on with the impeachment process against the businessman-turned-leader. If the process advances without delay, Lasso’s motion of no confidence could be decided during the parliamentary window from May 18 to May 22. The president’s fate hinges on whether the coalition falls short of the 92 votes needed from the 137 councilors.
Members of the ruling party described the proceedings as a political coup launched by opponents who trace their roots to former President Rafael Correa. A spokesman for the assembly argued that the impeachment is being conducted through an illegitimate process that lacks proof, and that it is built on serious legal flaws. The government’s stance centered on defending Ecuadorians’ right to democracy, as stated by Minister of Government Henry Cucalón. Cucalón asserted that the assembly’s move is an illegitimate attempt to remove a democratically elected president.
The Assembly pressed on with the political trial despite opposition claims of insufficient evidence, insisting the process is solid and legally sound. A public statement from Henry Cucalon emphasized that the rights of Ecuadorians must be protected, quoting the minister on social media. The post highlighted a broader clash between supporters and critics of Lasso and pointed to ongoing political polarization in the country.
A known opponent of Lasso, former president Correa continued to comment on Twitter as the Assembly approved the impeachment with a large majority. Ninety-eight votes were cast in favor of moving forward with the proceedings, with allies from UNES and other opposition factions joining the effort. The ruling party accounted for 23 votes against, with five abstentions noted in the tally.
mixed opinions
The dismissal process is unlikely to be halted, even as the TGNA Audit Committee advised against proceeding without stronger proof. Proponents argued that embezzlement represents a constitutional violation and that evidence pointed to a casual disregard for official duties. Within parliamentary commentary, observers argued that there was knowledge of a broader corruption scheme tied to the Flopec Public Oil Fleet Company, suggesting that the president had a responsibility to dismiss implicated officials. Critics maintained that the existing contract details indicated wrongdoing regardless of the formalities.
The president’s defenders have contended that the contract in question was signed in May 2021, two years before Lasso took office, and therefore outside his term of governance. These arguments have been central to the defense’s attempt to limit the scope of the impeachment.
program
In less than two weeks, Lasso will be granted a chance to present his defense in the plenary session of the National Assembly, which will examine the extent of his argument. Legislators will have up to five days to determine whether the president’s release suffices to block impeachment. Securing 92 votes, or two-thirds of the chamber, would be necessary to pass the no-confidence motion.
Analysts have suggested that if impeachment moves forward, opposition parties might coordinate a plan to replace Lasso with Vice President Alfredo Borrero. Historical echoes of a similar scenario are sometimes invoked, such as the 2005 transition when Alfredo Palacios assumed the presidency after the departure of a previously protest-troubled leader. Unlike that episode, current protests are predominantly driven by political divisions inside Parliament rather than public demonstrations on the streets. The broader social climate has been marked by urban violence and security concerns tied to drug trafficking and prison unrest, events that have intensified calls for governance reforms.
Lasso assumed the presidency on May 24, 2021, a period marked by social protests and the involvement of indigenous communities in the national political narrative. The ongoing debate about his leadership unfolds amid a backdrop of security challenges and gang-related violence that have affected communities across major cities and inland areas alike. The discourse surrounding Lasso’s tenure continues to reflect deep ideological splits among lawmakers, with the impeachment process serving as a focal point for broader questions about Ecuador’s political trajectory and institutional integrity.