Presidential Power Unchecked: A Tale of Ecuador and Peru

Last week, Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso utilized his constitutional authority to invoke "muerte cruzada" (mutual death), dissolving Congress and assuming rule by decree until new elections can be held. This move, prompted by Congress's efforts to impeach Lasso over embezzlement charges, was upheld by the courts and backed by the military. While Lasso's decision aligns with his constitutional rights, it raises concerns about the limits of presidential power and the ability of other institutions to hold leaders accountable.

Lasso's troubles began when documents surfaced in 2021 suggesting his use of offshore accounts to minimize tax liabilities. Although he defended these accounts as legal and claimed to be the highest-paying taxpayer in Ecuador, his political standing plummeted. Economic challenges, including inflation and high fuel prices, coupled with rising crime rates, further eroded public support for his administration. Lasso's party faced setbacks in local elections and a referendum on governance reforms earlier this year, reflecting public dissatisfaction and boosting his opponents, particularly those aligned with former President Rafael Correa.

Operating with a minority in Congress since the beginning of his term, Lasso initially managed to govern successfully due to divisions among opposition parties and a successful vaccination campaign during the pandemic. However, after the failed referendum, his opponents in Congress united to challenge his weakened position. The embezzlement charges served as a pretext for a political power play, aimed at toppling Lasso and triggering new presidential elections. As impeachment loomed, Lasso utilized his remaining constitutional weapon to dissolve Congress.

Comparisons can be drawn to the events that unfolded in Peru late last year. Former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo dissolved Congress and ruled by decree, which was swiftly deemed unconstitutional. He was removed from office and arrested, with Vice President Dina Boluarte assuming the presidency. Interestingly, reactions from regional leaders varied significantly. Some denounced Castillo's removal as a coup, while Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and Colombian President Gustavo Petro went even further, refusing to recognize Boluarte's legitimacy. This ongoing dispute has strained diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The contrasting response to Lasso's actions raises critical questions about presidential power and its boundaries. Despite ideological differences with Lasso, many left-wing presidents in the region may secretly admire his ability to counter opposition in the legislature. Presidents tend to support the broad interpretation of executive power, as they have often adopted such practices on their own terms.

Furthermore, politicized impeachments or attempts to impeach presidents have become a recurring pattern in South America. Although these have predominantly targeted left-wing leaders, such as Fernando Lugo in Paraguay, Dilma Rousseff in Brazil, and Castillo in Peru, right-wing predecessors of Castillo faced similar challenges with Peru's Congress.

The region's lack of criticism towards Lasso may reflect a self-serving belief among leftist presidents that presidents should complete their terms without being removed by legislatures. While former Bolivian President Evo Morales has criticized Lasso, pointing out a double standard, the response from other leftist leaders has been subdued.

The unfolding situation in Ecuador could still evolve, particularly if sustained criticisms from Correa or the indigenous group CONAIE gain momentum. However, the upcoming elections, in which Lasso has announced he will not run and will not impede a Correa-backed candidate, signal that his time as president is limited. This realization may deter the region from adopting a hard-line stance against Lasso.

Although Lasso's dissolution of Congress falls within his constitutional rights and his decision to step down indicates it is not a power grab, the lack of a strong response to such a drastic action should raise concerns. The region ought to be troubled by a president sidestepping political opponents to evade impeachment, while.

input from / WPR/ AI