Ecuador’s Vice President Veronica Abad has been suspended for 150 days due to alleged abandonment of duties, further straining her relationship with President Daniel Noboa ahead of the February elections. Abad’s attorney disputes the legitimacy of the suspension, which follows accusations of delayed compliance with a government order. The ongoing feud raises questions about the potential succession of leadership in Ecuador as election preparations intensify.
Ecuador’s Vice President Veronica Abad has been suspended for 150 days due to allegations of “unjustified abandonment” of her official responsibilities. The suspension, enacted during an escalating conflict with President Daniel Noboa, may significantly impact the political landscape as the country approaches elections in February 2025. Her attorney, Dominique Dávila, contested the legitimacy of the suspension, suggesting that the legal grounds for such action are questionable. Abad’s suspension follows accusations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs relating to her delayed response to a directive for her to relocate from Israel, where she was serving as ambassador, to Turkey amid rising conflict in the region. The vice president expressed concerns about the feasibility of the transfer, citing personal obligations and safety issues regarding her children. The tensions between Abad and Noboa have been building for years, culminating in a public feud that has included Abad’s filing of a legal complaint against Noboa and other officials based on claims of gender-based violence. Just days prior to her suspension, Abad faced a monetary penalty for allegedly campaigning early during her candidacy for the mayor of Cuenca. Dávila characterized these actions as part of a systematic effort to undermine Abad’s position in government and prevent her from assuming the presidency in future political scenarios, particularly if Noboa seeks to enter the election cycle in 2025. Constitutional expert André Benavides noted the implications of Abad’s suspension on Noboa’s electoral ambitions, as he would require a leave of absence to campaign, thereby potentially allowing Abad to ascend to the presidency. However, he asserted that the legal processes surrounding the suspension could hinder this transition, effectively rendering Abad’s path towards leadership obstructed. Amidst these developments, Abad’s lawyer emphasized intentions to appeal the suspension, framing it as an unjust tactic to maintain political control by the Noboa administration. The evolving situation points to a complicated political dynamic that could influence Ecuador’s governance in forthcoming months and its presidential election.
Ecuador’s political arena has been marked by tensions stemming from personal and professional disputes between leaders. The recent suspension of Vice President Veronica Abad comes as both a reaction to her alleged failure to adhere to government directives and as a reflection of broader conflicts with President Daniel Noboa. Additionally, Abad’s history of legal grievances against Noboa and sanctions demonstrates the volatile nature of their working relationship, which may ultimately shape the future leadership of Ecuador as elections approach in early 2025.
The suspension of Vice President Veronica Abad for 150 days represents a significant escalation in the ongoing rift between her and President Daniel Noboa, potentially jeopardizing political stability as the country prepares for elections. With accusations of unprofessional conduct and a history of disputes, the implications of Abad’s suspension could obstruct her ability to succeed Noboa should he pursue reelection, adding complexity to Ecuador’s political landscape as it approaches critical electoral decisions.
Original Source: apnews.com
