Presidency of Ecuador’s Lasso look precarious

Significance

The motion is the second impeachment attempt Lasso has faced since assuming the presidency less than two years ago. Lasso also faces a citizen-led initiative to end his presidency and renewed pressure from social movements to step down.

Impacts

• Social movements will intensify pressure on Lasso, possibly by staging mass mobilisations.
• Correistas will build on the momentum gained from their strong showing in February’s local elections to encourage lawmakers to impeach.
• If impeached, Lasso will be replaced by his politically inexperienced vice-president, Alfredo Borrero.
• Lasso’s removal would call into question any future deals with the IMF and probably signal a change in the direction of economic policy.
• A future Correista government would almost certainly turn to China for external funding rather than the IMF.