There are opinions that suggest that the President-elect, Daniel Noboa, is using the interim mandate of Clemente Yerovia Indaburu, who in just eight months has had the opportunity to hold power in a remarkable manner, as a management guide; Yerovi is indeed a figure in our history, probably unknown to the vast majority of Ecuadorians today. But what made Yerovi’s rule so commendable and how did he manage to wield power so effectively in such a short time? In March 1966, the country was going through a severe political crisis, one exacerbated by the mistakes of the Military Junta that ruled the country.

Yerovi’s decision

This led the General Staff of the Armed Forces to pressure the military junta to hand over power, enabling a political settlement with the appointment of Clemente Yerovi as interim president, who took power on March 29, 1967. More than the fact that it could be argued that his appointment as president was not the result of democratic elections, he respected all the guarantees of the citizens at a time when this virtue was confusing and unattainable, additionally forming a government of national consensus. Yerovi is noted to have been very clear about his goals: to call an Assembly election to appoint a new president, rebuild the national economy, and step down as soon as the Assembly is established. In his work President of Ecuador, Simón Espinoza mentions that Yerovi applied shock measures due to the dangerous fiscal imbalance and the violent loss of international reserves, adjusted the state budget and adopted corrective monetary measures that managed to restore monetary stability.

Daniel Noboa’s tour continues next week in the United States

Enrique Ayala Mora, for his part, points out that he released “political prisoners, re-established the right to strike and association, allowed the return of those expelled by the dictatorship and did not close newspapers or radio stations”, which was very common during the Military Junta, also shows that it respected the autonomy of universities, re-established control over 200 miles of territorial sea, and promoted the construction of several roads and public works. So many achievements in such a short time with added credit, Yerovi was true to his belief that he would leave power as soon as the Assembly was installed, a purpose he fulfilled in a remarkable manner. “I ruled with packed suitcases”, admitted Yerovi then, who also added that, while he was managing the destinies of the country, he entrusted himself to God every morning, asking him for three things: “First, to make as few mistakes as possible; second, to reach the Constituent Assembly, which was the mandate to fulfill; and thirdly, not to love the government.”

The President of France is open to cooperation with Daniel Nobo

In these times of so much ambition and hunger for power, this willingness not to love power is an unequivocal example of a firm belief in what a true sense of service to country means. After the President of the Assembly was elected, Yerovi sent his resignation and his presidential message (which was not read) and returned to Guayaquil in his car the same day. If Clemente Yerovi is any example, Daniel Noboa will have the bar set high. (OR)