New controls put in place in 2023 continue to find tax cheaters. The income recovered will help balance the reduction in ISD. As the current year draws to a close, the Internal Revenue Service (SRI) is on track to collect nearly $1.0 billion from ‘tax cheaters,’...
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Noboa took Presidency by converting previous Correísta voters
Between August and October, Daniel Noboa made significant political gains, capturing 39 cantons from Correísmo. This strategic shift was observed in the second round of elections, where Noboa not only retained his own victories but also secured 28 cantons previously...
Drug gang alliances in Ecuador tap into Mexican cartels and European mafia
The alliance between Tiguerones, Lobos, Mexican cartels, and the Albanian mafia has led to widespread insecurity in Ecuador. In recent years, Ecuador's criminal landscape has witnessed a surge in influence orchestrated by the unholy union between local gangs, Mexican...
BY Asesores de Seguros steals over $7 million after promising investors 9% returns
At least 700 individuals have suffered losses from their involvement with BY Asesores de Seguros. The company, which raised funds, promised returns of up to 9% per month, resulting in losses totaling a minimum of $7 million. Karina initially believed BY Asesores de...
Ecuador’s Hydroelectric Power Struggles Amidst Drought and Infrastructure Challenges
In the wake of a severe drought gripping the eastern region of Ecuador, the nation's hydroelectric power production has experienced a significant drop, plummeting from its usual contribution of 90% to a mere 79%. This decline in power production, as reported by the...
New Megamaxi set to open in Cuenca in November
Corporación La Favorita is set to unveil its inaugural Megamaxi in Cuenca come mid-November 2023, following an extensive two-year construction effort bolstered by a substantial $35 million investment. Corporación La Favorita’s new Megamaxi is in the El Paraíso sector,...
How to obtain Ecuador’s digital driver’s license
The introduction of the digital driver's license marked a significant milestone in Ecuador's efforts to modernize its licensing system. Implemented in January 2021, Ecuador’s digital driver's license is now provided free of charge by the National Transit Agency (ANT)...
González and Noboa debate offered little more substance than their campaign proposals
Those hoping for a fiery debate between presidential candidates Luisa González and Daniel Noboa, instead tuned in for a rehash of campaign points and the occasional mild accusation. The presidential debate that unfolded on the evening of October 1, 2023, between the...
Ecuador’s Looming Electricity Crisis: A Deepening Concern
In recent years, Ecuador has been grappling with the ominous specter of electricity blackouts, a crisis that threatens to plunge the nation into darkness and disrupt its economic stability. While the immediate future may not involve electricity rationing, the country...
Correismo candidate Luisa González says she was the target of an assassination plan
Luisa González, the presidential candidate for the Citizen Revolution (RC), arrived at the State Attorney General’s Office in the northern part of Quito, flanked by her running mate, Andrés Arauz, and a group of RC politicians and enthusiastic supporters. They were there to formally file a complaint regarding an alleged attempt on González’s life.
CNE announces topics for widely anticipated second-round presidential debate
The National Electoral Council (CNE) recently unveiled the rules for the upcoming presidential debate featuring Daniel Noboa and Luisa González. This debate, set to address critical issues, is scheduled for October 1st, running from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Customs Reforms Allow for Tax-Free Imports of a Wider Range of Products via Air Travel
New regulation adds new products to import list and loosens penalties for bringing in undeclared products.
Aedes mosquitoes bringing dengue fever to Ecuador, already claiming two lives in Cotopaxi
A significant rise in dengue fever cases nationwide has officials deeply concerned. The looming impact of El Niño may mean even more cases as mosquito breeding grounds increase. The provinces of Cotopaxi and Pichincha have been grappling with a concerning outbreak of...
Financial ‘Stress-test’ Highlights Weaknesses in Ecuador’s Private Banks
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recently conducted an extensive evaluation of Ecuador's financial sector, aiming to identify potential vulnerabilities in the country's banks and cooperatives in the event of an economic shock. This analysis is part of a...
Ecuador Has One of the Weakest Passports in Latin America
Nestled in the heart of South America, Ecuador is known for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality. However, when it comes to the global passport ranking, Ecuadorians face certain limitations that hinder their global mobility. According to the...
International reserve drops to $6.9 billion, only covers half of its liabilities
In July 2022, the Reserve exceeded $9.0 billion, but the drop in the price of crude oil and other payments have been reducing it. The International Monetary Reserve has recently experienced a significant decrease, currently standing at $6.905 billion as of September...
Cuenca’s Tram Celebrates 3-Year Anniversary Without System Integration or Funding Solutions
The Cuenca tram celebrated its three-year anniversary of commercial operation in September 2023, yet it remains disconnected from the city's broader transportation network, grappling with financial woes. Mayor Cristian Zamora candidly admitted that achieving economic...
Gangs take over Socio Vivienda de Guayaquil, even deciding who comes and who goes
In the northwest of Guayaquil, a once tumultuous neighborhood, Socio Vivienda, has experienced a curious transformation. What was once a hotbed of nighttime shootings and menacing confrontations between rival groups has given way to an eerie calm. However, this...
Celec urgently requests expedited natural gas procurement for power generation
A month prior to the impending drought set to diminish the nation's electricity supply, the state-owned entity, Corporación Eléctrica de Ecuador (Celec), urged Petroecuador to hasten the importation of natural gas. The looming threat of an impending drought has cast a...
Christian Zurita: “We were not immortal, and they made us see it in the worst way.”
Christian Zurita talks about the murder of Fernando Villavicencio, the risks he faces, and his decision to lead Gente Buena. -María Sol Borja · Last update August 31, 202 Christian Zurita: "We were not immortal, and they made us see it in the worst way.” Photography...
Anticipating the Second-Round Presidential Debate between Luisa González and Daniel Noboa
Analysts foresee a shift in tone characterized by reduced attacks and a concerted effort to move beyond historical political party hostilities.
Javier Milei’s Argentine team contacts former Ecuadorian President Mahuad for insights on dollarization
The concept of dollarization has been a hot topic of debate in Argentina’s presidential campaign, with many looking to the past for insights and inspiration.
Where Ecuador’s Presidential candidates stand on key Issues
The plans of Ecuador’s presidential candidates include advocating for electoral reforms and enhancing efficiency and equity in the judicial and police systems.
Colombia’s won’t export electricity to Ecuador, government exploring other options
Ecuador recently made public its intention to secure emergency energy contracts as a preemptive measure against potential electricity rationing.
Cuenca Mayor Cristian Zamora’s first 100 days
Cristian Zamora, the newly appointed mayor of Cuenca, has hit the ground running during his first 100 days in office. His primary focus has been on fulfilling the commitments he made during his campaign, and his endeavors are already yielding tangible results.
Ecuadorian voters decide to stop drilling in the Yasuní and halt new mining in Chocó Andino
Ecuadorian citizens have cast their votes in favor of stop extraction of crude oil reserves in the ITT block within Yasuní National Park and putting an end to new mining activities in the Chocó Andino region. The outcomes of these popular consultations, held on August...
Migration’s impact on elderly population: solitude and struggles in Tungurahua’s fields
The migration of young people in Ecuador could lead to a future where the agricultural sector faces a significant shortage of labor resources.
Ecuador’s transformational election: A new era beckons
In a momentous turn of events, Ecuadorians have spoken, setting the stage for a historic run-off in their presidential election. On Sunday, August 20, over 13.4 million citizens exercised their democratic right, casting their votes to determine the future leadership...
Christian Zurita: the “outraged journalist and enemy of tyrants” will take Fernando Villavicencio’s place in Construye’s presidential candidacy
“Fernando Villavicencio's project is intact, and he had to fight for it. Fernando is my friend. We were working together for 15 years, and we have known each other for 25.″ In a surprising turn of events that has sent ripples throughout Ecuador's political landscape,...
FBI arrives in country to investigate the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio
President Guillermo Lasso announced on August 10, 2023, that he had sought assistance from the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to investigate the murder of Fernando Villavicencio. The request was promptly accepted. Interior Minister Juan Zapata...