Back

LatinNews Regional Monitor: Andean Group - 05 April 2018

Correa targeted by corruption investigation in Ecuador

Development: Ecuador’s transitional citizen participation and social control council (Cpcss) announced on 4 April an investigation into decisions taken by former president Rafael Correa (2007-2017), as part of the campaign against corruption by the new Alianza País (AP) government led by President Lenín Moreno.

Significance: Since taking office in May 2017, Moreno has sought to roll back many of the reforms made by Correa’s ‘Citizens’ Revolution’. On the basis of a popular consultation referendum held on 4 February, Ecuador’s national assembly recently replaced the elected members of the Cpcss with officials chosen from a shortlist provided by Moreno.

  • The Cpcss, a government oversight body, has already justified the ouster of José Serrano from the presidency of the national assembly, and the start of impeachment proceedings against Attorney General Carlos Baca, both of whom are accused of corruption in relation to the Odebrecht government corruption scandal.
  • Now the Cpcss has turned its attentions towards the previous AP administration led by Correa, announcing an investigation into corruption during his presidency, citing the high-profile Refinería del Pacífico oil refinery project as a key focus, as well as various hydroelectric projects, and even the management of the public debt.
  • Cpcss president Julio César Trujillo also announced that all actions of the judicial council are to be suspended until the Cpcss investigation into this body has been completed. Trujillo also confirmed the removal of prominent Correa ally, Patricio Rivera, from his role as superintendent of popular economy.
  • The legitimacy of the transitional Cpcss has been questioned by both the Organization of American States and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. These international organisations have both observed that Moreno did not receive the necessary approval from Ecuador’s constitutional court ahead of the 4 February popular consultation that allowed him to reform the Cpcss and have condemned the president’s call for sanctions against judges who demanded he follow the proper procedure.
  • The launch of the new investigation is only the latest development in tensions between Moreno and Correa. Since his election, Moreno has emphasised the need for reconciliation with the national opposition, and has faced considerable criticism from Correa and his supporters.
  • The popular consultation made clear the extent of these divisions: the ‘Yes’ campaign won 67% of the vote, supported by Moreno in alliance with the right-wing opposition and the national media, but Correa continues to enjoy widespread support in Ecuador.

Looking Ahead: Despite domestic and international controversy, the Moreno-appointed Cpcss has already made significant changes – but in Correa they have found their most prominent target yet. The crackdown on corruption is making progress, but will struggle to escape criticisms of its own legitimacy, and seems set to greatly exacerbate political division in Ecuador.

LatinNews
Intelligence Research Ltd.
167-169 Great Portland Street,
5th floor,
London, W1W 5PF - UK
Phone : +44 (0) 203 695 2790
Contact
You may contact us via our online contact form
Copyright © 2022 Intelligence Research Ltd. All rights reserved.