Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa arrived in El Salvador on May 31, 2024, to participate in a series of high-profile meetings and events, including the inauguration of Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele for his second term. Noboa’s visit was marked by discussions on...
A New Species of Frog Discovered in Ecuador
A new species of frog was discovered in Ecuador and named in honor of Norma Ewing, a passionate conservationist and animal rescuer from the United States. The announcement was made on Thursday, May 30th, by the National Institute of Biodiversity (Inabio). The...
Are Construye and Revolución Ciudadana Allies in Opposition to Noboa?
The government has begun framing the discourse that Construye and Revolución Ciudadana groups are the new opposition, despite Correísmo’s support for several initiatives. The National Assembly has been in session for just six months, yet the landscape has shifted dramatically. What initially seemed favorable for the government, with a compliant Assembly, has turned into a […]
Ecuador Secures $4 Billion IMF Credit with 7% Interest, Terms Revealed
Ecuador will receive $4.0 billion from the IMF. This new credit program is the 23rd for Ecuador. The interest rate will be 7% per year. The Government of Daniel Noboa signed a new credit agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on May 31, 2024. The last credit program with the multilateral ended in December […]
Foreign Retirees Flock to Manta as City Emerges as Top Investment and Retirement Destination
According to several real estate agents, seven out of ten clients looking for apartments in Manta are foreign retirees. There are 16 real estate projects underway in the city, including buildings and developments, which consist of 1,250 housing units. In mid-May,...
You sneaky b^&%ards!
So, what story interested you the most this week? The story about expats buying property in Manta during all the crime going on there? Or maybe the one telling us that the government is going to investigate the outrageous salaries at the electric company? Wait, it was the frog story, right? Come on, admit it. […]
Government Scrutinizes High Salaries and Bonuses at CNEL Amid Economic Crisis
On average, the monthly income of a CNEL employee who is part of the collective contract is $2,321, thanks to three types of bonuses. The National Electricity Corporation (CNEL) has 6,347 employees and spends around $8.1 million each month on salaries. This represents an annual expense of $97 million, excluding the thirteenth and fourteenth salaries. […]
Noboa’s Bid for Reelection Spurs Debate on Presidential Succession During Campaign
President Daniel Noboa has announced that he will seek reelection. To do so, he will have to ask for unpaid leave or resign from his position, as these are the only options for public servants who become candidates. The government of Daniel Noboa is seeking a way to seek reelection without Vice President Verónica Abad […]
Vice Minister Warns of Potential Total Veto Following Constitutional Amendment
The National Assembly amended Article 138 of the Constitution so that with 70 votes, it can ratify the original texts vetoed by the Executive. On May 30th, the National Assembly modified Article 138 to change the voting requirements for presidential vetoes. Previously, 92 votes were needed, but now only 70 are required for the Legislature […]
Update: Costa Rica Assembly Ratifies Trade Agreement with Ecuador
Update to: New Trade Agreement with Costa Rica opens market for ceramics, dragon fruit, and hundreds of other products Published: Volume 7, Issue 22 Sonsoles García, Minister of Foreign Trade, announced that the ratification by President Rodrigo Chaves of Costa Rica is now anticipated. The Costa Rican Assembly ratified the trade agreement with Ecuador on […]
Update: Former Guayas Court President, 11 Others Linked in Purge Case
Update to: President of Guayas Court Resigns Amid Corruption Allegations as Purge Investigation Triggers Judicial Crisis Published: Volume 8, Issue 23 The Prosecutor’s Office has requested a hearing to link and press charges in the Purge case, which currently involves 24 defendants. Attorney General Diana Salazar has asked for the connection of twelve additional individuals […]
Update: Presidential Advisor Labels Vice President as Government Enemy Amidst Political Rift
Update to: Vice President Verónica Abad has been summoned to provide her account in the investigation of the alleged crime of influence peddling involving her son Published: Volume 8, Issue 34 Diana Jácome, a Presidential Advisor, stated that Vice President Verónica Abad would be engaging in discussions with other political parties and opponents of the […]