Ecuador’s 2025 election pits incumbent President Daniel Noboa against challenger Luisa González, each with differing economic visions but a shared support for militaristic crime policies. Noboa’s policies have escalated crime and economic challenges while González seeks to restore social programs and transition the economy despite her ties to former President Correa.
In next month’s election, Ecuador will decide between incumbent conservative President Daniel Noboa and progressive challenger Luisa González, as neither candidate secured the majority in the prior election in February 2025. Noboa, who became president in 2023, inherited a highly volatile situation marked by rising crime rates and economic challenges. His administration faces the fallout from escalating violence and a struggling economy primarily caused by an energy crisis.
During Noboa’s tenure, Ecuador experienced a significant spike in homicide rates, prompting him to declare a state of emergency shortly after taking office. While initially, his tough-on-crime policies reduced the homicide rate by 17 percent, January 2025 marked a turning point, recording 731 homicides, the highest in the nation’s history. Noboa’s economic policies, influenced by energy shortages and subsequent blackouts, have further exacerbated the country’s recession.
If re-elected, Noboa intends to strengthen his crime policies, including the construction of a high-security prison designed for the most dangerous criminals, alongside a vague plan to tackle the energy crisis and increase social program funding to alleviate poverty.
Luisa González, a candidate backed by former President Rafael Correa, aims to approach the crime issue with similar measures of military presence while advocating for the reinstatement of the Ministry of Justice to enhance rehabilitation systems. Despite her affiliation with Correa, who faces legal challenges, González has distanced her campaign from his issues, emphasizing respect for the judicial process.
In economic terms, González proposes transitioning Ecuador towards a post-oil economy and returning to Correa-era policies, which include reducing sales tax and enhancing social spending. Despite the different economic approaches presented by Noboa and González, both candidates exhibit a strong focus on increasing state authority under the guise of public safety. The implications for voters’ well-being will be significant, regardless of which candidate ultimately secures the presidency.
The upcoming presidential election in Ecuador features stark contrasts between incumbent Daniel Noboa and challenger Luisa González regarding their economic strategies and approaches to crime. While Noboa focuses on reinforcing militaristic policies and addressing an energy crisis, González proposes a return to past governmental practices to tackle social concerns. Both candidates seek to enhance state power in ensuring public safety, which could have lasting impacts on the population regardless of the electoral outcome.
Original Source: reason.com
