Former Ecuadorian Presidents Clash on Social Media Amid Corruption Allegations
A heated exchange erupted on X (formerly Twitter) between former Ecuadorian presidents Guillermo Lasso adn Rafael Correa, along wiht ex-official Augusto Verduga, following the release of chats implicating Verduga in alleged illicit activities within the Council of Citizen Participation and Social Control (CPCCS).
Lasso Criticizes CPCCS, spurs Online Confrontation
Guillermo Lasso initiated the online feud by referencing his past efforts to limit the CPCCS’s functions through a popular consultation, tying it to current allegations of corruption. He posted, “The popular consultation that we promoted aimed to combat insecurity, drug trafficking, and the constitutional vices that affect our democracy, including the limitation of functions of the CPCCS. Now it is indeed clear why some opposed it.” This sparked a series of accusations and counter-accusations among the involved parties.
Verduga Accuses Lasso of Drug Trafficking Cover-up
Augusto Verduga, currently in hiding, responded vehemently, accusing Lasso’s government of orchestrating “the largest drug trafficking case in the history of Ecuador,” referring to the ‘León de Troya’ case and alleging a cover-up in collusion with the Prosecutor’s Office. He further claimed that Lasso’s administration had nominated Raúl González, who Verduga supported, for a Superintendency of Banks position, citing González’s plan to combat money laundering.
Lasso Retorts, Calling Verduga a Fugitive and Criminal Associate
Lasso rebuked Verduga, alluding to Verduga’s alias “Mónica” from the leaked chats. Lasso stated,”I am free,I live in my country and travel the world without problems,while you are absent evading your responsibilities…You have admired fugitives to the point of resembling one,all for being nothing more than an operator of an organization more criminal than political.” The “Mónica” reference stems from Verduga’s alleged use of the alias “Monika Ertl” in the ‘liga Azul’ chats.
Correa Enters the Fray, Defending Verduga and Attacking Lasso
Rafael Correa entered the digital fray to defend Verduga, launching a scathing attack on Lasso: “Guille, Guille. You still do not understand that you are in the dustbin of history, and if you are not imprisoned, it is because you and your thugs have taken over the entire State…and you even have your own prosecutor. Shameless.”
Tit-for-Tat Insults Escalate Between Former Presidents
Lasso countered Correa’s attack, referencing Correa’s alleged alias “Jerónimo” from the same chats and highlighting Correa’s fugitive status. “You had 10 years and all the powers of the state to find something against me and you did not succeed. Now, from abroad, you are just a fugitive who teaches bad habits to young people like Mónica,” Lasso tweeted. Correa responded by accusing Lasso of concealing “ill-gotten fortunes in tax havens and shell companies,” mentioning “Positano” and “Banisi” before declaring he would cease further engagement. Lasso concluded the exchange by suggesting Correa investigate his own allies for corruption.
Background: ‘Liga Azul’ and Charges of Illicit Association
The Fiscalía General del Estado (Attorney General’s Office) has charged former CPCCS members Eduardo Franco Loor, Augusto Verduga, Yadira Saltos, and current member Nicole Bonifaz with illicit association. Substantive Attorney General Wilson Toainga alleges they colluded to appoint authorities across various state powers to favor their political faction.
**How do the leaked chats about the ‘liga Azul’ contribute to the ongoing debate about the role and influence of the CPCCS in ecuadorian politics?** (This question encourages analysis of the specific evidence presented and its implications for a broader political context.)
Former Ecuadorian Presidents Clash on Social Media Amid Corruption Allegations
A heated exchange erupted on X (formerly Twitter) between former Ecuadorian presidents Guillermo Lasso adn Rafael Correa, along wiht ex-official Augusto Verduga, following the release of chats implicating Verduga in alleged illicit activities within the Council of Citizen Participation and Social Control (CPCCS).
Lasso Criticizes CPCCS, spurs Online Confrontation
Guillermo Lasso initiated the online feud by referencing his past efforts to limit the CPCCS’s functions thru a popular consultation, tying it to current allegations of corruption. He posted, “The popular consultation that we promoted aimed to combat insecurity, drug trafficking, and the constitutional vices that affect our democracy, including the limitation of functions of the CPCCS. now it is indeed clear why some opposed it.” This sparked a series of accusations and counter-accusations among the involved parties.
Verduga Accuses Lasso of Drug Trafficking Cover-up
Augusto Verduga,currently in hiding,responded vehemently,accusing lasso’s government of orchestrating ”the largest drug trafficking case in the history of Ecuador,” referring to the ‘León de Troya’ case and alleging a cover-up in collusion with the Prosecutor’s Office. He further claimed that Lasso’s governance had nominated Raúl González, who Verduga supported, for a Superintendency of Banks position, citing González’s plan to combat money laundering.
Lasso Retorts, Calling Verduga a Fugitive and Criminal Associate
Lasso rebuked Verduga, alluding to Verduga’s alias “Mónica” from the leaked chats. Lasso stated,”I am free,I live in my country and travel the world without problems,while you are absent evading your responsibilities…You have admired fugitives to the point of resembling one,all for being nothing more than an operator of an institution more criminal than political.” The “Mónica” reference stems from Verduga’s alleged use of the alias “Monika Ertl” in the ‘liga Azul’ chats.
Correa Enters the Fray, Defending Verduga and Attacking Lasso
Rafael Correa entered the digital fray to defend Verduga, launching a scathing attack on Lasso: “Guille, Guille. You still do not understand that you are in the dustbin of history, and if you are not imprisoned, it is because you and your thugs have taken over the entire State…and you even have your own prosecutor. Shameless.”
Tit-for-tat Insults Escalate Between Former Presidents
Lasso countered Correa’s attack, referencing Correa’s alleged alias “Jerónimo” from the same chats and highlighting Correa’s fugitive status. “You had 10 years and all the powers of the state to find something against me and you did not succeed. Now, from abroad, you are just a fugitive who teaches bad habits to young people like Mónica,” Lasso tweeted. Correa responded by accusing Lasso of concealing “ill-gotten fortunes in tax havens and shell companies,” mentioning “Positano” and “banisi” before declaring he would cease further engagement. Lasso concluded the exchange by suggesting Correa investigate his own allies for corruption.
Background: ‘Liga Azul’ and Charges of Illicit Association
The Fiscalía General del Estado (Attorney General’s Office) has charged former CPCCS members Eduardo Franco Loor, Augusto Verduga, Yadira Saltos, and current member Nicole Bonifaz with illicit association. Substantive Attorney General Wilson Toainga alleges they colluded to appoint authorities across various state powers to favor their political faction.
Q&A: Unpacking the Ecuadorian Political feud
What is the CPCCS and why is it so controversial?
The Council of Citizen Participation and Social Control (CPCCS) is an ecuadorian government body responsible for promoting citizen participation, combating corruption, and selecting authorities for key state institutions. Its power to appoint officials makes it a target for political maneuvering, as seen in the current allegations. Historically,the CPCCS has been a battleground for political factions,with critics arguing it can be used to undermine democratic institutions and to appoint allies over qualified candidates.
What is the ‘Liga Azul’ and why is it significant?
The ‘Liga Azul’ (Blue League) refers to a group of individuals, including Augusto Verduga, allegedly involved in illicit activities within the CPCCS.The name emerged from leaked chats that are now central to the corruption investigation. The chats supposedly reveal a network of influence peddling and collusion to place allies in strategic positions. These revelations could have ripple effects, possibly impacting the credibility of numerous state institutions and their current leaders.
Who is Augusto Verduga and why is he in hiding?
Augusto Verduga is a former official charged with illicit association. He is currently in hiding and has been accused of participating in a scheme to appoint officials who would favor a particular political faction. His hiding suggests he is attempting to evade prosecution and offers him some protection from arrest. It also prevents him from facing scrutiny from public officials in the Ecuadorian justice system.
What are the ‘León de Troya’ and ‘Positano/Banisi’ cases mentioned?
the ‘León de Troya’ case, referenced by Verduga, is a major drug trafficking investigation that accuses Lasso’s government of covering up illicit activity. The ‘Positano’ and ‘Banisi’ references relate to allegations of hidden wealth in tax havens and shell companies, potentially linked to Lasso. These are key elements in the back-and-forth accusations,highlighting the severity of the charges and the political stakes.
What is the importance of the aliases “Mónica” and “Jerónimo”?
The aliases “Mónica” (used by Verduga, allegedly referencing Monika Ertl) and “jerónimo” (allegedly used by Correa) are from the leaked chats, and they add a layer of intrigue. These revelations have turned the political debate into a war of words, with both sides using the aliases to attack each other’s credibility. They also serve as symbols of the alleged illicit activities and corruption in the state.
What does this online feud mean for Ecuadorian politics?
The online clash between former presidents and the ex-official underscores the deep divisions and ongoing corruption battles in Ecuador. This feud has become a public spectacle, further eroding trust in political leaders and state institutions. The allegations and counter-accusations could have a significant impact on upcoming political races and the public’s perception of the political landscape.
As the investigation unfolds and the online arguments continue, it will be interesting to see what actions are taken. The ongoing debate highlights the importance of transparent governance and the need for accountability from public officials.
