At the conclusion of his two-year term, the president presented his final report to the nation this Wednesday at an event in south Quito that was advertised as open to the public but to which only guests were admitted.
Lasso, for example, highlighted the creation of 500,000 jobs, and although unemployment has fallen, more than half of Ecuadorians seek their income in the informal sector, according to official figures.
In December 2022, Ecuador recorded inflation of 3.7 percent, the second lowest in the region, the head of state assured, a figure unrepresentative for professionals in the midst of a dollar economy.
In the health sector, the ruler said he had invested $200 million and inaugurated four hospitals, despite public complaints about the lack of medicines and the shortage of medical professionals.
But we are working to resolve the issues, the President said.
Regarding education, he explained that he has strengthened the higher education system, although the Federation of University Students of Ecuador (FEUE) points out that the government owes millions of dollars to higher education centers.
Lasso promised the creation of four new universities in Orellana, Sucumbíos, Morona Santiago and Zamora Chinchipe and announced 25,000 scholarships for students.
The provision of credit, housing, measures to benefit the environment and encourage foreign trade were other achievements highlighted in the report to the nation.
“These are realities that make us proud,” he said, dismissing accusations that he only governs for the rich and announcing the delivery of 20,000 housing solutions in 2023.
“We are providing $15,276 million for the social sector,” added the executive branch chief, who will step down from power in November after his cross-death decree dissolved parliament and brought elections forward.
On insecurity, which is currently the top concern for Ecuadorians, he pointed out that in two years law enforcement agencies have dismantled three thousand criminal organizations, seized 16,000 firearms and seized 420 tons of drugs.
Still, robbery, assault, murder, extortion and other crimes are on the rise, and Ecuador ended 2022 with 25 homicides per 100,000 people, the highest rate in its history.
The president made promises despite having only six months left in office and did not announce whether he will finally stand in the votes scheduled for August 20.
The executive prepared screens so the ruler’s supporters could watch his report to the nation from outside the compound, but the promenade was almost empty while Lasso spoke.
This Wednesday, the company Perfiles de Opinión published the results of a survey in which only 14 percent of Ecuadorians support Lassos Management.
ro/avr