Noboa said that the most urgent problem he faced was precisely insecurity and that is why he declared “war on narco-terrorists and the corrupt politicians who assist them.” He also highlighted the reduction of homicides by 18 percent compared to last year, the seizure of 227.6 tons of drugs, and the dismantling of 33 clandestine runways used by drug traffickers.

The president also referred to the construction of the Encuentro Prison as one of the measures to combat organized crime but public perception and the news report the permanence of violence in the streets.

Regarding the country’s energy crisis, which has been suffering from prolonged blackouts for two months, Noboa highlighted the approval of a law that allows private projects to generate up to 100 megawatts (MW) and the agreement with Japan to build a geothermal park in Chachimbiro, which he said will add 1,598 MW to the national electrical system by the first half of 2025.

The president also presented data that he said show an economic recovery, such as the increase in the monetary reserve to 8.6 billion dollars and the growth of non-oil exports by 1,293 million dollars between January and September of this year.

The president stated that during his administration, five thousand children stopped suffering from chronic malnutrition compared to 2023 thanks to an investment of 40 million dollars.

In his report, Noboa failed to mention issues related to foreign policy nor his conflict with the vice president, Verónica Abad, who was removed from office due to an administrative sanction.

The current head of state is seeking re-election in the elections scheduled for February 9th, 2025, although recent polls point to a decline in his approval ratings.

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