Ecuador’s presidential candidates, Luisa González, of the Citizen’s Revolution (RC), and the president, Daniel Noboa, engaged in a tense debate prior to the second round of the elections.
Opinions circulating on social networks point out that the face-to-face debate between the two contenders showed more attacks than proposals.
‘Whatever candidate Noboa says is a lie and he is not going to do it’, González began his first intervention in the confrontation, while his opponent affirmed that he was not going to “defend old stories, of narco-politics and corruption”.
In this context, the CR representative proposed declaring schools safe zones, with video surveillance and permanent patrolling, generating two million jobs to guarantee affiliations and the sustainability of social security, and building new hospitals.
In terms of security, he spoke in favour of using the full force of the state to repress criminals, taking control of ports, airports and borders, combating illicit enrichment and money laundering, strengthening the forces of law and order, and international cooperation.
He offered to lower the Value Added Tax (VAT), which the current president raised from 12 to 15 percent, and to reactivate efficient public investment.
Meanwhile, the current president, who is seeking a full term in office, promised to work on educational infrastructure, provide scholarships, telematic higher education, and eliminate corruption in the public health system through technological tools.
In addition, Noboa assured that he would not raise the retirement age and offered bonuses to entrepreneurs to boost the economy.
In terms of security, he proposed international cooperation with countries such as the United States, France, Italy and Spain, reforming the Penal Code, drafting a new Constitution and reinstating a US military base on national territory.
To generate employment, he said he would sign free trade agreements and treaties and would provide credits ‘at a good interest rate’ for those who set up businesses.
On the economic issue, there is a clear divergence: while González is committed to strengthening the state apparatus as the driving force of the economy, the president is committed to the private sector.
During the debate, González set the pace with questions that put Noboa on the spot, as when he asked him if he would collect the debts of the family companies of 94 million dollars and he answered ‘No’.
Likewise, he revealed links between the Noboa Trading company and the head of the ruling National Democratic Action (ADN) movement, María Moreno, and drug trafficking, and although the ruler claimed not to be the owner of the company, he acknowledged that it belongs to his relatives, who have collaborated with the Public Prosecutor’s Office in the investigations.
On the other hand, the CR candidate affirmed that she will recognise the government of Nicolás Maduro, with whom she will enter into dialogue to return unemployed Venezuelan migrants who have committed illicit activities.
The presidential hopeful criticised her rival for his constant mistreatment of women, and in that sense clarified that with her he is wrong.
‘You are used to humiliating and mistreating women, from your daughter, your ex-wife, the vice-president, the ex-minister. You answer me with technical arguments,’ he remarked.
‘Luisa was different, empowered and solvent. She had the data, the attitude and the ideas. She entered with force, although her clarity waned at certain moments, but she managed to regain momentum for the closing. She spoke of freedom and hope, to the point that she confused Noboa’, summarised political communications expert Caroline Ávila.
More than 13.7 million Ecuadorians are called to the polls on 13 April to decide the next president between Noboa and González, who recent polls show as the favourite.
