Political manoeuvring will be key for Ecuador’s Lasso
Tuesday, May 25, 2021
Significance
The conservative alliance that supported his election collapsed in mid-May, after his Creating Opportunities (CREO) failed to back the Social Christian Party (PSC) candidate for the National Assembly presidency, instead supporting Guadalupe Llori of the indigenous Pachakutik (PK). The decision illustrates the challenges that await Lasso as he attempts to navigate a legislature in which CREO has few seats.
Impacts
- International investors will be buoyed by Lasso’s economic liberalism.
- Responsibility for economic recovery will fall largely on the private sector, making Ecuador more reliant on foreign direct investment.
- Lasso will hope to win popular support and build legitimacy by accelerating the COVID-19 vaccination programme.