ENTREVISTA | Daniel Noboa agradece en Telemadrid el apoyo de la comunidad ecuatoriana de Madrid

Summary

The transcript is an interview with Ecuador's new president, Daniel Novoa. He discusses the challenges facing Ecuador such as narcoterrorism, economic issues, and high crime rates. Novoa explains the actions he has taken to combat these problems including reforming the police and military, destroying seized drugs, and implementing a youth employment law. He appeals for international aid and investment. Novoa also promotes Ecuador's tourism opportunities as the featured country at an upcoming trade fair.

Takeaways

• 😊 President Novoa is visiting Spain for the first time as President of Ecuador. He wants to give support to Ecuadorian migrants in Spain.
• 😀 President Novoa has significantly reduced violent deaths and attacked corruption in Ecuador's judiciary in his first 60 days.
• 🤔 President Novoa says Ecuador faces threats from heavily armed, well-financed narcoterrorist groups moving $60 billion of cocaine annually.
• 👍 22.7 tons of cocaine have been seized and destroyed in less than 8 days under President Novoa.
• 😃 Citizens are regaining confidence in the police and military due to restored security under President Novoa's leadership.
• 💡 President Novoa wants international assistance focused on food, education, training, and psychological support rather than weapons.
• 🙂 President Novoa has strong international support from Spain, the King of Spain, the EU, and the USA.
• 🧐 Former president Rafael Correa's comments seem inconsistent, sometimes praising, sometimes criticizing President Novoa.
• 😕 President Novoa has declined security assistance from Venezuela due to its own problems.
• 👍 President Novoa is prioritizing security, economic reforms, and a referendum to bring profound changes quickly in Ecuador.

Q & A

What are some of the major challenges facing President Novoa and Ecuador right now?

Some major challenges are the high levels of drug trafficking and organized crime/narco-terrorism, economic issues, high unemployment and lack of opportunities for youth, corruption, and rebuilding trust in institutions like the police and military.

What actions has President Novoa taken so far to address security issues and organized crime?

Actions include declaring a state of emergency, changing leadership in the police and military, going after corruption in the judiciary, dismantling and destroying large drug shipments, and building public confidence and support for security forces.

How does President Novoa describe the scale of the drug trafficking problem in Ecuador?

He states there is an estimated $60 billion worth of cocaine moved through Ecuador annually. He calls the groups behind it "narco-terrorists" and says they have around 40,000 heavily armed and financed members.

What is President Novoa's approach compared to other regional leaders?

He describes his approach as "progressive realism" which is more extreme than Argentina's president but less so than Venezuela's. He aims to take bold action while maintaining democratic checks and balances.

What kind of international support is Novoa seeking?

Beyond security cooperation, he wants aid in areas like food, education, infrastructure, and psychological support to stabilize communities and address root causes like lack of opportunity.

What is Novoa's relationship like with former president Correa?

Complex. Correa has offered both praise and criticism of Novoa's actions. Novoa aims for cordial relations but notes Correa's party holds significant power in the legislature.

What reforms and priorities is Novoa focused on early in his term?

Priority areas include security, economic reforms to spur investment and jobs, anti-corruption measures, public referendum to amend the constitution, and rebuilding international confidence in Ecuador.

How does Novoa aim to attract foreign investment?

With tax reforms incentivizing youth employment and renewable energy investment. Also by restoring security and order to improve business climate.

What message does Novoa have for Ecuadorians living abroad?

He thanks them for their solidarity and support through difficult times. He encourages them to unite behind efforts to improve security and prosperity for all Ecuadorians.

How does Novoa want to highlight Ecuador's tourism potential?

By hosting major events like the Ibero-American summit. He invites people to experience Ecuador's amazing natural beauty and cultural richness.