Daniel Noboa admitted he will not collect the U$94 million his family owes in taxes.

On Sunday, Ecuadorian candidates Luisa Gonzalez (Citizen Revolution) and Daniel Noboa (National Democratic Action) participated in a two-hour debate ahead of the second round of the presidential elections, which will take place on April 13.

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“What candidate Noboa says is a lie, and he will not fulfill it,” said Gonzalez during her first intervention, emphasizing that the right-wing politician, who is seeking re-election as president, has not delivered on the promises he made during the campaign that led him to the presidency in 2023.

The Citizen Revolution candidate proposed declaring schools as “safe zones” with video surveillance and permanent patrolling, creating two million jobs to ensure the sustainability of social security, and building new healthcare facilities and hospitals.

Regarding security, Gonzalez expressed support for using the full force of the state to crack down on gangs linked to drug trafficking; taking control of ports, airports, and borders; combating illicit enrichment and money laundering, strengthening security forces, and promoting international cooperation. As part of her economic recovery proposal, she also promised to reactivate public investment and reduce the Value Added Tax (VAT), which Noboa increased from 12 to 15 percent.

For his part, Noboa promised to build educational infrastructure, provide scholarships for young people, eliminate corruption in the healthcare system, maintain the current retirement age, and offer grants for entrepreneurship.

On security matters, the right-wing politician proposed cooperation with the United States, France, Italy, and Spain as a mechanism to combat drug trafficking. He also proposed reinstating a U.S. military base, reforming the Penal Code, and convening a new Constituent Assembly. To reactivate Ecuador’s economy, Noboa pledged to sign free trade agreements and provide loans for business establishment “at a good interest rate.”

During the debate, Gonzalez set the tone with questions that put Noboa on the spot. This happened, for example, when she asked Noboa whether he would comply with the law and collect US$94 million from his family, which they owe for not paying taxes. Noboa responded that he would not do so and attempted to justify his answer by arguing that he respects the independence of institutions, in this case, the independence of the Internal Revenue Service (SRI).

Noboa insinuated that Gonzalez might reinstate maximum limits for legally carrying drugs as a consumer. In response to this attempt to discredit her, the Citizen Revolution candidate invited Noboa to take a drug test at the end of the debate. She also recalled that Maria Moreno, the president of the ruling ADN party and manager of nine companies of the Noboa Group, is linked to illicit drug trafficking.

In terms of foreign policy, Gonzalez stated that she would establish relations with the government of President Nicolas Maduro, with whom she would engage in dialogue to expedite the repatriation of Venezuelan migrants who have entered Ecuador irregularly and committed illegal activities.

The Citizen Revolution candidate harshly criticized Noboa, reminding him that he is used to mistreating women. “You are used to humiliating and mistreating women, starting with your daughter and ex-wife, and including the vice president and the former minister. But me, you will respect!” she said.

On April 13, over 13.5 million Ecuadorians are expected to vote to elect the president for the 2025–2029 term. So far, Gonzalez is leading all voter intention polls.

teleSUR/ JF

Sources: PL – teleSUR

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