Ecuador prison system poses challenges for Moreno

Subject

Ecuador's crumbling prison system.

Significance

Ecuador experiences lower levels of crime than many Latin American countries but insecurity is mounting. A wave of protests that swept the country in October was accompanied by widespread looting and vandalism, indicating the difficulties facing President Lenin Moreno in maintaining order after a decade of relative stability under his predecessor, Rafael Correa. Prison conditions have deteriorated and violence is increasing. The capacity of the government to strengthen the prison system and curb criminality is hindered by its lack of legitimacy and its efforts to cut public spending.

Impacts

• Mounting crime and violence will favour right-wing politicians and parties who promise hard-line security policies.
• Correa will seize on rising disorder to discredit Moreno, pointing to the relative stability achieved during his presidency.
• Weak economic conditions and escalating drug trafficking will continue to fuel crime, placing pressure on the prison system.