In a surprising turn of events, Ecuador has experienced a significant decrease in violent deaths, with a notable 41% drop following the declaration of an internal armed conflict. Between January 10 and 24, 2024, official figures reveal an average of 9.2 murders daily,...
Noboa Government Explores Merger of 19 Public Entities to Trim Bureaucratic Spending
Critics believe more could be closed with even more savings achieved.
Galapagos Seafood Innovation Lab Proposed to Tackle Food Insecurity
Covid-19 exposed food insecurity in largest Galapagos islands.
Raise the VAT
Last week, I laid it out for you—I’m a card-carrying liberal, hailing from Kennedy country. My political awakening happened when I was six, when Nixon ran for his first term. Before that I didn’t even realize there were different parties. Now, let’s delve into the debate over President Noboa’s proposal to bump up the VAT […]
$273 Million Payment on External Debt Bonds Eases Market Concerns
Ecuador successfully averted a default by disbursing $273 million to cover three interest coupons on foreign debt bonds, a crucial move by the Noboa Government to maintain financial stability. This payment, confirmed by the Ministry of Finance on February 1, 2024, was essential as the coupons were due by January 31, 2024. These coupons pertain […]
Tattoo Studios Experience Surge in Requests for ‘Cover-Up’ Transformations of Gang-Associated Tattoos
In the wake of the state of exception and internal armed conflict declared on January 9, 2024, the demand for tattoo studios in Guayaquil has experienced an unexpected shift.
Update: January Rescue Operation in Puebla, Mexico Saves 319 Ecuadorian Migrants
Update to: Rising Remittances Shed Light on Kidnapping Crisis Faced by Ecuadorian Migrants Published: Volume 8, Issue 16 In January 2024, Mexican immigration authorities conducted multiple operations in Puebla, rescuing a total of 2,501 migrants, with 319 of them being Ecuadorians. The National Migration Institute of Mexico (INM) disclosed on February 2nd that these rescued […]
Update: Euthanasia Decriminalization Plea Advances to Crucial Phase in Constitutional Court
Update to: Legal battle surrounding euthanasia case takes step forward as Court sets a date for hearing Published: Volume 8, issue 6 The pivotal phase of the plea to decriminalize euthanasia in Ecuador, brought forth by Paola Roldán, a victim of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, has reached a crucial juncture in the Constitutional Court. On February […]
Update: The number of detainees for crimes ‘related to’ terrorism increases by 25%
Update to: Fénix Plan Leads to 237 Arrests for Terrorism and Over 4,000 Arrest for Other Crimes Published: Volume 8, Issue 17 The number of people detained for terrorism-related crimes has gone up. The National Police and Armed Forces shared their report on the outcomes since the start of the Internal Armed Conflict. As of […]
Government Faces Financial Crisis with $419 Million in Late Payments, Struggles to Fund Salaries
The Lasso Government accumulated unpaid balances of $3.584 billion, marking a twofold increase compared to the arrears in the 2022 State Budget.
Unitary Workers’ Front Organizes Protests Against Proposed VAT Hike at the National Assembly
The Unitary Workers’ Front (FUT) has declared a state of permanent mobilization following its national convention on Saturday, February 3, 2024.
Ecuador Seeks Diplomatic Resolution Amidst Russia’s Concerns Over Agricultural Exports
In a recent turn of events, Ecuador faces challenges with its key agricultural exports to Russia, as the Russian phytosanitary service urges the suspension of certification for both bananas and carnations, citing health risks associated with the “humpback fly” and the presence of flowering thrips.