Luisa González: A Presidential Candidate in the Shadow of a Polarizing Mentor

Introduction to Luisa González and Her Presidential Bid

Luisa González, a lawyer with limited political experience, is making her second bid for Ecuador’s presidency. Unlike her 15 competitors, including incumbent President Daniel Noboa, her campaign is deeply intertwined with the legacy of her mentor, former President Rafael Correa. While González’s face and name dominate billboards, social media, and television ads, conversations about her often pivot to Correa, a polarizing figure who governed Ecuador from 2007 to 2017. Despite her relative obscurity until recently, González has emerged as a key candidate, leveraging the political machinery of Correa’s Citizen Revolution Movement.

The Influence of Rafael Correa on González’s Campaign

Rafael Correa, a leftist leader who rose to power during the commodities boom of the 2000s, left a lasting imprint on Ecuador. His populist policies and authoritarian tendencies during his later years in office, along with a corruption scandal that led to his imprisonment in absentia, have deeply divided the nation. González, who became president of the Citizen Revolution Movement last year, must navigate the complex legacy of her mentor. While Correa’s base remains loyal, his detractors are equally passionate, creating a challenging political landscape for González.

The Divided Political Landscape and Its Impact on the Election

The October 2023 runoff election, which González lost to Noboa, highlighted the deep fissures in Ecuador’s electorate. Triggered by former President Guillermo Lasso’s decision to dissolve the National Assembly, that election set the stage for the current campaign. González, who was relatively unknown until Correa’s party chose her as its candidate in 2023, has struggled to carve out an identity independent of her mentor. Her campaign must balance appeasing Correa loyalists while appealing to a broader electorate wary of his influence.

González’s Campaign Promises and Policy Focus

On the final day of campaigning, González addressed thousands of supporters in Guayaquil, promising to tackle the surge in violent crime that has gripped Ecuador for the past four years. The spike in violence, linked to cocaine trafficking by Colombian, Mexican, and Balkan cartels operating in the country, has left citizens on edge. Despite a drop in the homicide rate under Noboa’s presidency, from 8,237 in 2023 to 6,964 last year, the numbers remain alarmingly high compared to 2019, when only 1,188 homicides were recorded. González vowed to “change the dark reality of the country,” where “no one feels safe,” and criticized Noboa for failing to deliver on his 2023 campaign promises, including tax increases, higher gasoline prices, and an unresolved electricity crisis that caused prolonged blackouts.

The Role of Citizen Revolution Movement in González’s Campaign

González’s candidacy is bolstered by the organizational strength of the Citizen Revolution Movement, which has maintained a robust political structure since Correa’s departure. Unlike Noboa, who lacks a comparable political apparatus, González benefits from a party with years of governance experience and a proven ability to win elections. Franklin Ramirez, a political science professor at the Latin American School of Social Sciences in Quito, notes that while Correa’s shadow looms large, the movement has established a life of its own, producing leaders like González. “There is an organizational life beyond (Correa) that continues to produce cadres, and Luisa is part of that dynamic,” Ramirez said.

The Challenges Ahead and the Broader Implications of the Election

As Ecuador approaches the February 9 election, González faces significant challenges. Her campaign must convince voters that she is more than just a proxy for Correa while addressing the pressing issues of crime, economic instability, and political polarization. The election not only represents a test of González’s ability to lead but also a referendum on the enduring influence of Correa’s legacy. Regardless of the outcome, the race highlights the complex interplay of personality, party, and policy in shaping Ecuador’s political future.