2023-05-17 16:58:55
Guillermo Lasso makes a historic decision in Ecuador: he dissolves the congress and calls early general elections. After facing a political trial against him, the president signs decree 741, invoking the grounds of “serious political crisis and internal commotion” contemplated in the constitution.
Perspective Writing
The president used the Constitutional resource, contemplated in article 148, known as Cross Death. In a message to the nation, Lasso assured that “all the efforts of the legislature seek to destabilize the government with an unfounded trial.”
Lasso’s announcement comes amid accusations of destabilization by the legislature and multiple impeachment and overthrow attempts during his short term in office.
The president argues that the National Assembly has obstructed his proposed work plan for his presidency and has politically harassed his ministers, creating an environment of hostility and lack of governability.
With the dissolution of congress, Lasso will govern under decree laws that must pass through the control of the Constitutional Court until the new elections are held.
In his first decree law, the president seeks to strengthen the family economy by reducing taxes on families, popular businesses, taxi drivers and artisans. This decree will be sent to the Constitutional Court for its favorable opinion.
The decision to dissolve congress implies that legislators must leave their seats, and in case of not doing so, they could be in contempt and be detained by the Prosecutor’s Office and the Police.
The measure has generated diverse reactions in the country, with congratulations from some sectors and criticism from others. Former President Rafael Correa considers the decision illegal and accuses Lasso of not having been able to buy enough assembly members to save himself.
The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities describes the situation as a “Guillermo Lasso dictatorship” and calls for maintaining unity to analyze and make collective decisions.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces remain vigilant and emphasize their obedience to the constitution, calling for unity and warning that they will not tolerate attempts to alter the constitutional order through violence.
Since the afternoon of May 16, members of the Armed Forces have been concentrated in their barracks awaiting orders. This morning, the passage to the Legislative headquarters, in Quito, is blocked and there is a strong military and police guard in the area.
Guillermo Lasso’s decision marks a milestone in the political history of Ecuador and poses a scenario of uncertainty and polarization.
The country is at a crossroads, where the protection of democracy and respect for the rights of Ecuadorians will be essential to overcome the challenges and move towards a more stable and prosperous future.
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