Ecuador’s top court allows impeachment hearings to proceed

By Lucas Berti

The Ecuadorian Constitutional Court this week allowed impeachment hearings to proceed on embezzlement accusations against President Guillermo Lasso, but blocked two charges of extortion. The decision is a bad omen for the conservative leader, who lacks a majority in the country’s National Assembly.

A congressional committee this month approved a report accusing Mr. Lasso and other members of his administration of crimes against state security and the public administration — and recommending his impeachment. 

The accusations stem from contracts involving Flopec, a state-owned company that transports oil and gas by sea to national and international ports. Opposition lawmakers claim that in January 2022, Mr. Lasso removed the company’s former head after he attempted to unilaterally terminate an irregular contract for oil transportation. Another contract with the same company was signed months later, against the recommendations of the country’s comptroller’s office.

Under fire for alleged links between his family members and drug trafficking, Mr. Lasso has been in a weak position since his sweeping defeat in last month’s local elections, in which his referendum proposals were struck down and members of his left-wing opposition won mayoral races in the country’s major cities.

Congress now has 45 days to complete the impeachment trial. Ousting Mr. Lasso would require 93 of the assembly’s 137 votes. 

The president said on social media that he “respects” the ruling but denied the accusations. 

Mr. Lasso has the power to dissolve Congress, but it is unclear whether he will do so. He could also call early elections for both the presidency and the National Assembly. In 2022, Mr. Lasso escaped a first impeachment vote while also threatening lawmakers with a shutdown of Congress. 

According to polls, the president currently has the support of only 13 percent of the electorate.

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