In a clear sign of political manipulation, Correístas held up approval of the Oversight Commission’s report—although the President of the Commission says that there is no proof to impeach Lasso— and now intend to vote it thru in the Assembly. On Saturday, May 6th, the...
Foreigners and the middle class being courted by Manabí’s real estate offerings
Four Manabi cantons make up a strategic real estate development area with an investment of over $100 million. Manabí province, located in the central coast of Ecuador, has become a strategic real estate development setting with an investment of over $100 million in the construction sector. The boom in real estate activity in four of […]
Gangs using technology to commit crimes and elude authorities
A gun printer, a highway surveillance center, and drone robberies are just some of the technological advances being used by criminals in Ecuadorian. Ecuador is currently facing a surge in crime and violence, with authorities identifying at least eight criminal gangs...
Innocent individuals caught in the crossfire of vigilante justice in Cuenca
Due to the increase in crime in Cuenca, there has been a surge in vigilantism, and unfortunately, innocent people have been attacked. In recent months—due to the insecurity prevailing in the region—the city of Cuenca has witnessed a wave of citizens taking justice into their own hands. The rise in extortion and robberies in shops […]
Lasso signs decree to use military to combat ‘terrorism’ in Ecuador
Following Cosepe’s declaration of terrorism as a threat to Ecuador, President Lasso decrees that the Armed Forces can carry out military operations to confront terrorists. On May 3, 2023, the State and Public Security Council (Cosepe) of Ecuador declared terrorism as a threat to the country, following a surge of violence caused by criminal gangs. […]
Navigating through the Darién: wildlife, treacherous taters, and narcotics trafficking
The Darién jungle, located on the border between Colombia and Panama, is not just an irregular passage for migrants. It is an impassable 17,000 square kilometer jungle that has been declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO for its unique biodiversity. The Darién National Park, on the Panamanian side, was created in 1980. This reserve represents […]
Palacios leaves office having left many unmet promises on the table
Cuenca’s outgoing mayor came to office promising several major projects, but leaves having fulfilled very few. Pedro Palacios, the outgoing Mayor of Cuenca, Ecuador, will leave behind a mixed legacy when he departs on May 13th. While his administration has accomplished some notable achievements, there are many large-scale projects left on the table. One of […]
Tax Reform Provides Progressive Deductions for Individuals with Monthly Income up to $3,000
Update to: SRI will apply new control for Income Tax Published: Volume 7, Issue 10 With the tax reform that the Executive submitted to the Assembly, the State's income from Income Tax would be reduced by somewhere between $50-$200 million. The director of the Internal...
So, we can just ignore the Constitution now?
The political situation in Ecuador has come to a head with the debate over the potential impeachment of President Guillermo Lasso. And it’s something every ex-pat should be worried about. On Saturday, after a month of back-and-forth petty arguments during the entire impeachment process, the Oversight Commission, which is tasked with deciding whether Lasso should […]
Ecuador Receives IDB Guarantee for Debt-for-Nature Exchange
Update to: Minister of Finance talks bonds for the Galapagos, tax reductions and the IMF and Petroecuador Published: Volume 7, Issue 15 The IDB is offering a multi-million-dollar guarantee to Ecuador to facilitate the debt swap process for the conservation of the Galapagos reserve. On May 3, 2023, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) extended an […]
After three and a half years of operation, Cuenca’s tram still not integrated with city’s bus lines
Cuenca's tram system has been grappling with reducing operating losses since its debut on September 22, 2019. In 2022, Cuenca’s tram collected $2.7 million in fares, covering less than half of the annual operating cost of $5.5 million. The Municipality of Cuenca...