President calls for march and referendum, challenging the judiciary’s decisions in a show of strength.

Military Event Set Against a Political Backdrop

On August 8, 2025, President Daniel Noboa attended a military ceremony at the Eloy Alfaro Military School in Quito to commemorate Ecuador’s First Cry of Independence. However, what was meant to be a tribute to Ecuador’s military history quickly became a platform for Noboa’s political message, as he used the occasion to reaffirm his stance on the ongoing conflict with the Constitutional Court.

The event, held in the presence of various high-ranking officials, including President of the Assembly Niels Olsen and Vice President María José Pinto, was marked by Noboa’s strong rhetoric against the judiciary. He framed his call for a referendum and his support for a march toward the Constitutional Court as a response to what he described as the lingering “shadows of the past” within certain institutions.

A Direct Challenge to the Constitutional Court

Noboa’s speech explicitly targeted the Constitutional Court, which recently suspended several laws enacted by his administration. He accused the Court of being out of touch with the people’s needs, particularly in matters related to national security and anti-crime measures.

“We will not allow decisions that are far removed from the people’s reality to overturn the laws that protect peace, transparency, and the fight against terrorism and crime,” Noboa stated, echoing the sentiments of his ruling party, which has characterized the Court as the “enemy of the people.”

This verbal assault on the judiciary came amid heightened tensions, with social unions staging a march in Quito to show their support for the Constitutional Court and denounce the president’s counter-march. In his address, Noboa justified his actions as part of a broader effort to empower the people and uphold the democratic values he claims the country seeks.

A Call for Unity and Action

While paying tribute to the military’s role in defending the country from organized crime, Noboa emphasized that the fight for national progress also required confronting legal obstacles imposed by the judiciary. He framed the upcoming referendum as a necessary step toward reinforcing Ecuador’s sovereignty and ensuring the government could continue implementing its agenda.

“You have been very clear at the polls. The people want a new country, and that’s why they elected us. That’s why this referendum is yours, to defend what we have decided together in democracy,” he declared. The president’s rhetoric suggested that the referendum, slated for late 2025, would be a critical juncture for the country, positioning it as a democratic safeguard against judicial overreach.

The Military’s Role in Noboa’s Vision

Throughout the speech, Noboa sought to align the military’s role with his broader political objectives. By highlighting the military’s contributions to combating organized crime, he positioned the Armed Forces as essential allies in his campaign to reshape Ecuador’s political and judicial landscape. He also expressed that the actions of young officers, honored at the ceremony, symbolized the future of Ecuador — a future that he believes requires decisive action to overcome institutional roadblocks.

The event concluded with a military display, showcasing the Air Force’s capabilities, underscoring the president’s appeal to national unity and strength as he prepared for the upcoming referendum.

A Divided Nation on the Horizon

As Noboa pushes forward with his political agenda, including the controversial referendum, the country finds itself deeply divided. His challenge to the Constitutional Court has ignited fierce debate, with critics warning of the growing concentration of power in the executive branch. With the referendum looming and both sides entrenched, the coming months are likely to see more intense political clashes, as Ecuador grapples with questions of judicial independence, democratic accountability, and the path forward for its governance.