On Friday, the legislature opposed the request of the National Court of Justice to prosecute Abad for the crime of extortion, and to link her to the known Nene Case, in which her son Francisco Barreiro is being investigated.

In order to criminally prosecute her, 92 votes were needed, and just 41 were cast by the ruling National Democratic Action (ADN), while the Citizen Revolution Movement and the Social Christian Party cast 74 votes against.

The Government of Daniel Noboa described as a “dirty political pact” the legislative resolution that denied the criminal prosecution against the Vice President Abad.

However, the Attorney General’s Office assured that it will continue the investigation against Vice President Abad once her term in office ends.

For Abad, who is currently Ambassador to Israel by order of Noboa, these actions respond to a persecution by the Government to prevent her from taking over the head of the Executive when the president has to hand it over to her to campaign for a feasible candidacy in 2025.

Meanwhile, this week, the Government suffered several criticisms and protests in the streets in rejection of the decision to eliminate fuels for low octane gasoline, here alias Extra and Ecopais.

It was expected that on Friday, the Ministry of Economy and Finance would disclose the details of its plan to “stabilize” prices; nonetheless, the press conference was postponed.

The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE) reiterated on Friday its repudiation to what they call a “new package” of President Daniel Noboa.

The goal of the Executive is to equate the sale price of gasoline with international values, with which the Extra and Ecopais, which currently cost 2.46 dollars per gallon, will rise between 25 and 30 cents.

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