Ecuadorian President considers opposition leadership as presidential race alternative

Ecuador’s President Guillermo Lasso is contemplating leading the opposition, a shift from his earlier consideration of vying for the country’s presidency.

His change in direction follows his decision to opt for a ‘cross death,’ a mechanism dissolving Parliament in exchange for his resignation as the head of state, after the commencement of his impeachment trial.

Instead of seeking re-election in the 2023 general elections, Lasso explores alternative political roles, including the opposition’s leadership.

He intends to cultivate a serious and constructive opposition rather than one that aims at the detriment of the country for political victory.

While he has not ruled out a potential candidacy in 2025, his current focus remains on the opposition.

Lasso defended his decision to opt for the ‘cross death,’ stating that even if the National Assembly lacked the votes to oust him, their victory wouldn’t have resolved his mandate.

Thus, he preferred short-term governance in difficult conditions rather than enduring prolonged political turmoil.

Lasso further justified his governance since his inauguration in May 2021, during which he addressed health, economic, and moral crises.

He managed to reduce the country’s deficit from 7.7 points of GDP to an estimated 2 points by the end of 2023.

In terms of the moral crisis, he engaged in a battle against corruption, even as some members of his cabinet were implicated in corruption scandals.

His impeachment trial arises from a money laundering allegation tied to a contract signed by the public company Flopec in 2020, under the governance of his predecessor, Lenín Moreno, causing a loss of about 6.1 million dollars.

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