HomePoliticsPoliticsEcuador’s Interior Minister At Risk Of Impeachment

Ecuador’s Interior Minister At Risk Of Impeachment

Listen to article

Opposition-controlled lawmakers in Ecuador initiated impeachment hearings against Interior Minister Monica Palencia on Wednesday, accusing her of negligence in handling the rise in drug-related violence that has destabilized several regions. The proceedings come amid widespread public concern over safety.

Palencia has come to symbolize the government’s fight against the crime wave that has swept through Ecuador, making her the most visible leader in efforts to stem the violence plaguing the nation. Her high-profile role has placed her under intense scrutiny as the country grapples with its security crisis.

In the coming days, Palencia is expected to defend herself from charges raised by two legislators linked to ex-president Rafael Correa. These lawmakers, critical of her handling of the crime surge, are pushing for her dismissal in a political struggle that echoes back to Correa’s influence.

Impeachment proceedings would need backing from at least 92 of the 137 members of Ecuador’s Congress, where the opposition currently holds a significant majority. With this numerical advantage, the opposition has a strong chance of swaying the vote in their favor, further complicating Interior Minister Monica Palencia’s position as she faces the mounting political pressure.

Read also: Ecuadorian Prison Official Fatally Shot In Violent Ambush

Once seen as a beacon of stability in South America, Ecuador has become one of the world’s most violent nations and a major drug trafficking hub in recent years.

Ecuador registered a record 47 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants in 2023, up from a rate of six murders per 100,000 inhabitants in 2018.

President Daniel Noboa’s government says its crackdown on gangs allegedly linked to international criminal groups such as Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel has reduced the number of murders this year.

Noboa has defended Palencia and canceled a trip to Brazil to follow the impeachment proceeding, saying he would “accompany her throughout her journey.”

The Eastern Updates 

Most Popular

Recent Comments