The Citizen Revolution has announced Luisa González and Diego Borja as its 2025 presidential and vice-presidential candidates, while Rafael Correa criticized President Daniel Noboa and rejected alliances with other leftist groups, focusing on positioning the party as a strong opposition force.

The Citizen Revolution movement, founded by former President Rafael Correa, held its national convention on August 10, 2024, at the Voltaire Paladines Polo Coliseum in Guayaquil.

This event marked a significant moment for the party as it announced its candidates for the 2025 elections. The party’s presidential ticket will feature Luisa González for president and Diego Borja for vice president.

González, who previously ran for president in the 2023 elections, is currently the leader of the Citizen Revolution. Her candidacy signifies a continuation of the party’s efforts to return to power.

Diego Borja, the vice-presidential candidate, brings a wealth of experience as an economist and former government official. Borja served as Minister of Finance under President Alfredo Palacio in 2006 and later as Coordinating Minister of Economic Policy in Correa’s administration in 2008. His background also includes a role as president of the board of directors of the Central Bank of Ecuador.

Candidates for assembly members…and those left out

In addition to announcing the presidential and vice-presidential candidates, the convention also unveiled the party’s slate for the National Assembly. The list of candidates includes several notable names such as Xavier Lasso, Paola Cabezas, and Ricardo Patiño.

The party also announced its provincial assembly candidates across various regions of Ecuador. For instance, Roque Ordoñez Quezada and Fernanda Méndez will represent Azuay, while Blasco Luna and Nelly Fernández are the candidates for Cañar. The list also includes candidates for seats abroad, with Eliana Correa representing Latin America and Gustavo Mateus for Europe, Asia, and Oceania.

Despite these announcements, the convention highlighted significant changes within the party. Several prominent figures from the Citizen Revolution will not be on the ballot in 2025.

Pierina Correa, a national assemblywoman and sister of Rafael Correa, was notably excluded from the list. Her removal is partly attributed to her previous support for the Tourism Law proposed by President Daniel Noboa, which clashed with the party’s current stance.

Andrés Arauz, another key figure who ran for president and vice president in previous elections, has also been sidelined. His exclusion is seen as a consequence of his declining influence and controversial economic views.

Gustavo Jalk, who was once a potential presidential candidate, was excluded due to his past affiliations with former President Lenín Moreno, which alienated him from the current party leadership.

Paola Pabón, who was mentioned as a possible presidential candidate, will remain focused on her role as the Prefect of Pichincha rather than seeking a new position. Marcela Holguín, a long-time communicator and former assembly member, was not included for a seat in the Andean Parliament, reflecting the shifting dynamics within the party.

Correa was on the attack

Rafael Correa’s speech at the convention was a focal point, as he criticized the current political climate and the government of President Daniel Noboa.

Correa expressed dissatisfaction with the state of Ecuadorian politics, particularly targeting the current administration and its handling of various issues. He described the current government as “mediocre” and “dishonest,” and sharply criticized Noboa, calling him a “spoiled, capricious, and megalomaniacal child.”

Correa accused Noboa of being a “perverse president,” drawing a comparison with former President Lenín Moreno, though he claimed Noboa was “less stupid and more powerful.”

Correa also took the opportunity to address the broader political landscape, rejecting the idea of forming alliances with what he described as the “false left.” He argued that the left, as it currently stands, is aligned with the oligarchy and is not genuine in its commitments. Correa stated that he felt closer to “honest nationalist right-wing” groups than to the leftist factions, which he accused of being complicit with right-wing interests.

The Citizen Revolution’s strategy for the 2025 elections appears to be focused on reinforcing its position as a major opposition force. By highlighting internal party changes and attacking the current administration, the movement aims to position itself as a viable alternative to President Noboa’s government. The upcoming election is expected to be highly competitive, with the Citizen Revolution working to consolidate its base and challenge the current political status quo.