Ecuador’s Attorney General Diana Salazar is set to face an impeachment trial in the National Assembly, a proceeding she controversially described as a “narco-trial.” This legal and political drama began last May, when Salazar, who was then dealing with a high-risk pregnancy, had the process suspended. Now, with the legislative recess ending soon, the stage is set for a showdown between Salazar and her political adversaries.

On August 19, 2024, Attorney General Diana Salazar posted a video on her social media platforms, stating that she is ready to face the impeachment trial proposed by members of the Citizen Revolution (RC), the political party of former President Rafael Correa.

Despite taking a medically advised pause in her duties due to her pregnancy, Salazar emphasized that she never ceased fulfilling her responsibilities as Attorney General. In her video message, she highlighted that her temporary health-related break had come to an end, and she had informed the National Assembly of her readiness to proceed.

“I have informed the National Assembly that, with the authorization of our doctor, the break we were forced to take has come to an end,” Salazar announced. She strongly criticized the impeachment as a retaliatory effort by criminal groups threatened by her anti-corruption work, labeling it a “narco-trial” to underscore the involvement of criminal elements in the process.

Salazar assured the public that the accusations against her lack substance and are merely attempts to obscure the truth, pointing out that they aim to interfere with ongoing investigations led by her office. “This is a crude attempt at revenge by criminal groups,” she stated, reinforcing her stance that the impeachment is politically motivated.

Legislative Process and Political Context

The National Assembly is currently in recess until September 2, 2024. Once the recess ends, the Legislative Administration Council (CAL) is expected to convene to address Salazar’s request to reactivate the impeachment proceedings, which were initially suspended on May 17, 2024. The impeachment trial against Salazar is anticipated to follow the proceedings against Interior Minister Mónica Palencia, with a vote on Palencia’s censure expected in mid-September.

The impeachment process against Salazar involves several procedural steps, including a 15-day period for both Salazar and her accuser, legislator Gissela Garzón, to present evidence. This is followed by a 10-day period for the examination of evidence, after which the Oversight Commission will have five days to prepare and approve a report.

The report will then be submitted to the President of the Assembly, who will have five days to schedule the trial in a plenary session. These steps indicate that the trial could potentially occur in mid-October 2024.

The timing of the trial coincides with a significant political transition. The current President of the Assembly, Henry Kronfle, is expected to resign from his position to pursue a presidential bid under the Social Christian Party (PSC). If he steps down, the Assembly’s second vice president, Viviana Veloz, a member of the RC, would likely take over as head of the Assembly, which could influence the outcome of the impeachment trial, given her alignment with Correa’s political interests.

The Accusations and Political Implications

Salazar faces accusations from Garzón and fellow RC legislator Héctor Valladarez. The charges include delays in processing key cases like the León de Troya and INA Papers investigations, irregularities in the criminal proceedings against former Ombudsman Freddy Carrión, and insufficient action during the COVID-19 pandemic regarding VIP vaccine recipients. Valladarez has also accused Salazar of covering up for money launderers, failing to prosecute high-profile suspects like Carlos Pareja Cordero (Capaco), and maintaining questionable relationships with defendants, including providing confidential information to Ronny Aleaga, a fugitive and defendant in the Metástasis case.

Salazar has dismissed these allegations as baseless, asserting that her opponents are attempting to undermine the judicial process by distorting facts that cannot be substantiated in court. Salazar’s defenders, including members of the ruling National Democratic Action (ADN) party, have rallied behind her, describing the impeachment as a politically motivated “narco-trial.” The ADN, along with other political allies like Ana Galarza of the Construye movement, have pledged their support to Salazar, framing the trial as an attack on the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law.

Despite this support, the outcome of the impeachment remains uncertain. The Citizen Revolution currently controls 48 seats in the Assembly and would need 70 votes to secure Salazar’s censure and dismissal. While the PSC has signaled its opposition to the impeachment, the position of more than 20 independent assembly members remains unclear, leaving room for political maneuvering as the trial date approaches.

The Broader Impact on Ecuador’s Political Landscape

The impeachment trial against Salazar is poised to be a defining moment in Ecuador’s political landscape, especially as it coincides with the broader electoral campaign leading up to the 2025 presidential election. If the impeachment proceeds under a Correa-aligned Assembly, it could significantly impact the balance of power in Ecuador, potentially weakening the judiciary’s independence and emboldening political actors with ties to organized crime.

In her public statements, Salazar has vowed to continue her work, irrespective of the trial’s outcome. “While I wait for the moment to present my evidence in this narco-political trial, with whatever result it may have, I will continue to exercise my functions,” she declared, underscoring her commitment to her role as Attorney General.

As the trial looms, all eyes will be on the National Assembly, where the outcome will not only determine Salazar’s future but also set a precedent for the interplay between political power and judicial independence in Ecuador.