Under the Law aimed at addressing the armed conflict, banks and cooperatives are required to remit taxes ranging from 5% to 25% in May 2024, contingent upon their respective profit margins. Banks and cooperatives in Ecuador are facing a significant tax burden, with...
Illegal mining advances uncontrolled in the Ecuadorian Amazon and threatens protected areas and indigenous communities
by David Tarazona on March 15, 2024 Mining – both illegal and legal – went from deforesting 185 hectares in the Punino River, Napo, in 2022 to 784 in 2023, according to the most recent report from the Andean Amazon Monitoring Project (MAAP) and the Ecociencia...
“It is a country of opportunities, without crime,” says an Ecuadorian migrant in New York.
An old New York airfield located “in the middle of nowhere” is the camp that houses dozens of Ecuadorian migrants seeking asylum. Gusts of polar wind sweep across the runways of an old, disused New York airfield. It is the “middle of nowhere” that houses some 1,800 migrants, including Ecuadorians, who have become a symbol […]
Causes for hope
Before I compose this column each week, I take a sneak peek at the upcoming articles set for publication. It’s my routine to fashion my column around a central theme, drawing inspiration from one of the standout stories. Usually, it’s a smooth process, as one story often shines brighter than the rest. But this week, […]
El Niño Weakens, Making Way for La Niña: Ecuador Prepares for Weather Fluctuations
April may bring an end to El Nino conditions and an influx of La Nina conditions by mid-year. The El Niño phenomenon, which has dominated weather patterns in recent months, is now in decline, according to Frigate Captain Luis Morales, General Coordinator of Oceanographic Affairs of the Oceanographic and Antarctic Institute of the Ecuadorian Navy […]
Foreign Minister Sommerfeld refutes the notion of ‘bukelization’ in Ecuador’s fight against organized crime
Ecuadorian foreign minister Gabriela Sommerfeld reiterated the government's success in reducing the homicide rate by 60% under Daniel Noboa's administration, following the imposition of a state of emergency last January. Ecuador has witnessed an alarming eight-fold...
Metastasis case investigation is completed, preparatory hearing being scheduled
The Metastasis case has completed its investigation phase, highlighting a complex web of legal entanglements involving 52 individuals. April 13th marked the culmination of 120 days since the inception of the investigation phase. At this juncture, the Attorney General, Diana Salazar, is tasked with petitioning the National Court of Justice for the scheduling of the […]
Iza says Conaie will push for ‘NO’ vote for popular consultation, accuses Noboa of trying to break up indigenous movement
Conaie, the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador, has taken a firm stance against the upcoming referendum and popular consultation initiated by President Daniel Noboa’s government, slated for April 21st. The expanded council of Conaie, comprising representatives from fifteen indigenous nationalities, articulated their reasons for advocating a ‘No’ vote on all eleven questions posed in […]
Prosecutor Diana Salazar Continues to Stir Both Criticism and Applause
As Correísmo section of the Assembly threatens impeachment, Salazar continues to bring corruption charges against politicians and members of the judiciary. Prosecutor Diana Salazar stands as a polarizing figure in Ecuador's legal landscape, commanding both admiration...
Ecuador faces multiple challenges in securing a new IMF loan
Returning to the IMF on such short notice poses challenges, yet the swift reforms implemented by the Noboa administration will likely garner favorable attention from the UN's financial agency. The Government of Ecuador, under the leadership of President Daniel Noboa,...
Update: Tragedy Strikes: Three Ecuadorian Migrants Murdered in Chiapas, Mexico
Update to: Ecuadorian Child Fatally Wounded in Sonora, Mexico Migrant Assault Published: Volume 8, Issue 20 According to a report from the organization 1-800 Migrante released last Friday, each of the victims were from Guayaquil. This tragic event marks another grim chapter in the plight of Ecuadorian migrants in Mexico, with three compatriots falling victim […]
Government Vows to Maintain Military Presence in Prisons Amid Ongoing Purge
In a resolute stance on prison security, Vice Minister of Government emphasized the enduring presence of the military in Ecuador’s penitentiary centers. Speaking in a recent interview, Vice Minister of Government Esteban Torres assured the public that the government would not withdraw military support from prisons, underscoring the ongoing commitment to what he termed as […]
If only…
So, in this issue, we’ve got a rundown on the ongoing corruption prosecutions in Ecuador, namely the Metastasis and Purge cases. And I, for one, am downright ecstatic about it! At long last, we’ve got two branches of government—Justice and Executive—that are dead set on rooting out corruption wherever it rears its ugly head. Admittedly, […]
Update: Ecuador’s country risk drops 130 points in one week
Update to: Country risk below 1,500 points Published: Volume 8, Issue 21 Ecuador’s country risk dropped by 130 points in just one week, closing at 1,290 on March 6, 2024. This significant decrease from the previous mark of 1,420 on February 29th reflects market optimism sparked by Ecuador’s efforts to secure a credit agreement with […]
“Let’s not get confused, we attack criminal economies, not politicians.”
Noboa reaffirms his backing of Salazar as she unveils the creation of a novel Property Investigation Unit aimed at confiscating assets belonging to convicted criminals. At the conclusion of the second Penitentiary and Citizen Security Conference in Quito, Prosecutor...
Navigating the Dynamic Terrain of Ecuador’s Low-Cost Aviation Market
The aviation landscape in Ecuador’s ‘low-cost’ market showcases a dynamic of arrivals and departures, reflecting a sector that is yet to fully consolidate. Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito recently welcomed JetSmart on March 6th, 2024. However, this arrival coincides with the impending departure of another ‘low-cost’ carrier, Wingo, in April. JetSmart, a Chilean airline […]
Update: Security Measures Yield Significant Decrease in Violent Deaths, State of Emergency Continues
Update to: Sharp Decline in Violent Deaths Marks Ecuador’s Struggle Against Internal Armed Conflict Published: Volume 8, Issue 18 During the state of emergency in Ecuador, there has been a significant reduction in violent deaths, with more than a 45% decrease. The national government has extended this regime for another 30 days. As of March […]
President of Guayas Court Resigns Amid Corruption Allegations as Purge Investigation Triggers Judicial Crisis
The recent arrests of seven Guayas judges on charges of organized crime have plunged the court into a state of chaos, compounded by González’s resignation. In a seismic upheaval within the judicial echelons of Guayas, Hugo González, who had recently ascended to the presidency of the Court of Justice, tendered his irrevocable resignation on the […]
Noboa’s Political Triumphs in the First 100 Days of Governance
In the annals of Ecuadorian history, the first 100 days of President Daniel Noboa’s administration will be remembered as a period of political dynamism and strategic decision-making.
Ecuador’s Oil Sector Faces Challenges Amid Controversy and Decline
Amid a controversy over alleged data manipulation, oil production declines. The sector’s future remains uncertain.
Hi, call me Polly
Recently, I took a moment to revisit some of my earlier columns, the oldest coming from seven years ago. And one word struck me: Pollyanna! Back then, even though I’d already spent two years here by that point, I was positively enamored with Ecuador. I focused solely on the positives, conveniently overlooking the negatives. And […]
IESS Proposes Contribution Increase Amidst Concerns Over Soaring Expenses from Ecuador’s Aging Population
Eduardo Peña, President of the IESS Board of Directors, suggests a gradual increase in the contribution rate from 20.6% to 30%.
Prosecutor Diana Salazar Warns of State Infiltration by Organized Crime
Salazar refuses to back down in pursuing prosecutions even in the face of constant death threats.
Daniel Noboa Achieves Historic High in Presidential Approval for Ecuador
In addition to Noboa’s impressive 81% approval rating, over 60% of Ecuadorian citizens believe that the Popular Consultation will effectively address issues of insecurity and organized crime.
Judicial Controversy Surrounds Noboa’s Declaration of Armed Internal Conflict
Amidst a tumultuous debate, the Constitutional Court of Ecuador found itself grappling with the thorny issue of justifying the classification of an “internal armed conflict” as declared by President Daniel Noboa.
Ecuador’s Fuel Market Shifts with VAT Hike and Subsidy Reform Effects
The upcoming VAT increase is expected to have minimal impact on drivers. However, proposed changes to fuel subsidies may raise concerns among the majority of Ecuadorians.
Minister of Telecommunications Sets Sights on 5G for Ecuador
Minister of Telecommunications César Martín has set forth an ambitious vision for Ecuador’s telecommunications landscape, suggesting that the country could see the advent of 5G technology as early as 2025.
Cuenca Finally Gets to Experience Van Gogh Like Never Before
Having traversed the globe for more than ten years, “Van Gogh Alive” finally makes its highly anticipated debut in Cuenca. This momentous occasion follows its Ecuadorian premiere in Quito, back in January 2022.
New Air Routes on the Horizon for Ecuador Amidst Regulatory Updates
Ecuador’s aviation sector is poised for expansion in 2024 with the introduction of new local air routes, accompanied by regulatory updates aimed at enhancing user protection and industry competitiveness. As the Ministry of Tourism gears up for these developments, stakeholders anticipate significant growth and improved services for travelers.
Ecuador lost just over a million hectares of forest formations in 38 years
by Antonio José Paz Cardona on February 23, 2024 In the Ecuadorian Amazon, the accelerated growth of mining is worrying. In 2022 the activity reached 8,896 hectares. Between 2021 and 2022 alone, 1,405 new hectares were detected, equivalent to almost 2,000 professional...