In the phraseology and behavior of actors of state power, in the time we live in, it is perceived that confrontation is privileged. It seems that, in order not to clash, it is only possible to submit or condition, to “put your head down”, vulgarly speaking. Or a kind of vassalage.

And, on various levels, those who assume that they are Thunderous Jupiter, a term translated from Latin – not thunderous, which some use by mistake – are multiplying, in reference to the fact that Zeus appeared in images surrounded by thunder and lightning. There are “elders” and “apprentices” or youngsters.

to wear

Twilight of democracy

In a democracy, the main rule of conduct should be reconciliation and reaching solutions beyond differences. There will be times, scenarios and circumstances to face.

Do ideological positions make a difference? No, but circles or environments, sometimes companies or conflicting interests.

In the days before the inauguration of Guillermo Lasso as President of the Republic, in May 2021, there were talks between Lasso and Jaime Nebot and Rafael Correa, from whom Lasso broke away to reach an agreement with Pachakutik and other members of the assembly. The current President of the Assembly, Virgilio Saquicela Espinoza, undoubtedly in the frontline of the opposition to Lasso, was elected as the first vice-president of the National Assembly in May 2021, under the patronage of various political forces, including the government bloc that proposed him; and in May 2022, he led the operation to oust President Guadalupe Llori, becoming president. In May 2023, several possibilities can be seen for him: if Laso is not dismissed due to the impeachment, which he directs with a majority in the National Assembly, he would become the former president of the National Assembly; If a replacement occurs, the options range from being re-elected to office, to serving as interim president if President Lasso and Vice President Alfredo Borrero carom off. If there is a death on the cross, everyone to his house, to new elections for the remaining time.

And if we try democracy…

Is honesty possible for coincidences towards solutions in Ecuador’s very serious problems?

Those who will vote in the impeachment process against Lasso, having largely taken the positions of voting for innocence or voting for impeachment, are indeed no longer judges. Corroborating evidence and other “criterion formation” actions end up being a story. This is before already occupied positions. Those who break away from their blocs, because they disappear when it comes to voting – the correista bloc did so to make sustainable Las’ emergency economic and tax law of 2021, which is accused of hitting the middle-income sectors – or because they vote otherwise, they will be branded as traitors or sold.

All this while organized crime, extreme violence, and the dominance of criminal groups are deepening in Ecuador, with the additional accusation of connection with political sectors in conflict.

Is it possible to honestly find common ground for solutions to Ecuador’s very serious problems? So far, no such mood is observed. Why does this effect not require a minimum agenda? (OR)