It is commendable that the National Assembly of Ecuador reached an agreement in an efficient, and for now elegant way, to accommodate and implement a change of command without the scandals that we have become accustomed to during the country’s democratic life. There is no place to keep the population, creditors, countries with whom we trade in uncertainty. Alliances between political parties are what are styled in functional countries and also imply respect for the voices of different sectors for those who want to be their representatives.

The problem is that in the case of Ecuador, the negotiations are not taking place in order to achieve the program goals that the various groups are pursuing in defense of the interests of their constituents. The talks are between two leaders who have little contact with their bases, who have in common only a huge desire for power that they can only maintain behind the scenes. They don’t think the same, they don’t have the same vision of the country’s needs, nor solutions to pressing problems. Insecurity and violence, limited economic growth and increased poverty, challenges in hygiene and environmental control.

President Daniel Noboa starts with many weaknesses, much more than those of his predecessor, who could not even finish his term. He still does not have a cabinet and has appointed two high-ranking officials, then dismissed them or changed their positions; He communicates little, as if he still hasn’t gotten over his surprise that he even won the first round of the election; and he distances himself so much from his vice president that in the middle of the transition he prefers to go for a walk to the Miss Universe pageant rather than be in the countryside. On top of that, his latest statements in the United States have once again raised the country’s risk above 2,000 points.

So what does the alliance achieved in the National Assembly at the beginning of this presidential term mean for Nobo and the country? The largest legislative bloc belongs to the leading political force in the country, the Civil Revolution (RC), which responds to a one-sided and personalistic program, with no room for dialogue. As we have experienced so far, the condition for ruling will be the acceptance for a part of the population of unacceptable demands, such as amnesty for former HR leaders. Giving in will rob Noboa of his youthful expectation to bring about change, but refusing will prevent him from creating legislation to fulfill his campaign promises.

Certain cabinet choices suggest he would be better off relying on business instincts, although his greatest weakness is his lack of extensive political experience. Noboa should be clear about what he is willing to lose and gain, and what is best for the country, before continuing to appoint officials and reach agreements with members of the assembly. The new president must use his leadership, decision-making and strategic vision skills; You can’t stop communicating when you’re solving problems from day one. And, above all, to be responsible to your electorate. (OR)