During a press conference held on Thursday, the Minister of Government, Jose De La Gasca, announced that Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has appointed Planning Minister Sariha Moya as the interim vice president until Vice President Veronica Abad arrives in Turkey. This decision comes amidst an ongoing dispute between Noboa and Abad.
The conflict between Noboa and Abad stems from Abad's suspension by the labor ministry in November for failing to comply with orders to travel to Turkey due to security concerns during the Gaza conflict. However, a court overturned Abad's suspension in December, leading to Noboa instructing her to travel to Turkey to serve as a temporary counselor at the country's embassy.
In a further twist, Noboa has now designated Moya, who had previously been tapped as a temporary vice president, to once again act as interim vice president until either January 22nd or when Abad arrives in Turkey. This move comes as Noboa, who is running for re-election in February, has been hesitant to take unpaid campaign leave that would result in Abad briefly assuming the role of vice president.
Gasca clarified during the press conference that Noboa is not obligated to take leave during the campaign period. The ongoing tensions between Noboa and Abad reflect a complex political situation in Ecuador as the country prepares for the upcoming elections.