Ecuador's Noboa begins second term vowing crackdown on crime and economic revival
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa was officially sworn in Saturday for a second term, promising a continued fight against rising violence and a renewed focus on job creation and economic stability. At just 37, Noboa will serve with Vice President María José Pinto until May 2029, following his reelection earlier this year.
In his inaugural address in Quito, Noboa committed to ramping up efforts against drug trafficking, corruption, and organised crime. 'We are at the doorstep of four years of progress,' he declared, talking about a plan to attract investment and stimulate job growth by partnering with Ecuador's private sector.
Noboa, son of banana magnate Álvaro Noboa, first took office in November 2023 at age 35 with minimal political background. His initial term came after President Guillermo Lasso dissolved the legislature to avoid impeachment. Noboa was elected to finish Lasso's term and then won reelection on April 13 in a runoff against González.
Noboa's administration has been defined by a tough stance on criminal violence, which has surged in the South American nation in recent years. He has framed public safety as a cornerstone of national progress and legitimacy.
The ceremony drew dignitaries included US Health Secretary Robert Kennedy, Colombian President Gustavo Petro, and Peru's President Dina Boluarte. However, Noboa's opponent, leftist candidate Luisa González, and her Citizen Revolution party—led by ex-president Rafael Correa—boycotted the event.
González has repeatedly alleged electoral fraud, though those claims were dismissed by both Ecuador's national electoral authority and international observers.
Despite Noboa's rhetoric on security, Ecuador remains one of Latin America's most violent countries, recording approximately 8,000 violent deaths by the end of 2024, as per AP. Analysts argue that the president must broaden his agenda beyond crime-fighting to rebuild Ecuador's social fabric through investment in health, education, and especially employment.
By late 2024, only 33% of Ecuadorians held full-time jobs, with many scraping by in the informal sector.
(With inputs from AP)
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