2008 Woodie Awards
Ecuador's Leader Ousted
The President of Ecuador is forced out of power and seeks asylum in Brazil.
Brittany Lee
Issue date: 4/29/05 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
Following months of street protests and public outcries against the then president of Ecuador, Lucio Gutierrez, lawmakers voted to remove their leader from office on Wednesday, April, 20. Thousands crowded into the Plaza of Independence, in the capital city Quito, cheered as Congress voted 62-0 during a special session to remove Gutierrez.
It was reported that Attorney General Cecilia Armas ordered the head of the national police, General Marco Cuvero to arrest Gutierrez for commanding crackdowns on demonstrators. Protests begin after Gutierrez outraged the people by dismissing most of the Supreme Court judges and hand picking their replacements. Though he claimed it was an attempt for a more independent court system, most of the public saw it as an attempt by the left winged government to consolidate power.
Vice President Alfredo Palacio replaced Gutierrez as the nation's leader. In front of Congress upon being sworn in, Palacio stated "The people of Ecuador, particularly the people of Quito, today have ended the dictatorship, the immorality, the great power, the terror of fear." This change in power did not occur smoothly by any means. Demonstrators blocked the road to the Quito airport in an attempt to prevent Gutierrez's departure. A fire broke out at the Ministry of Social Welfare, and no effort was put forth to extinguish it. On Thursday, April 21, Brazil's ambassador made the announcement that his country would grant Gutierrez asylum. Arrangements are being made for his safe passage out of Ecuador.
Presidential problems are unfortunately not new for the people of Ecuador. Since 1996, the country has had nine presidents. Constitutional changes made in 1998 have strengthened the executive branch but the office has been a continued source of conflict and turmoil.
It was reported that Attorney General Cecilia Armas ordered the head of the national police, General Marco Cuvero to arrest Gutierrez for commanding crackdowns on demonstrators. Protests begin after Gutierrez outraged the people by dismissing most of the Supreme Court judges and hand picking their replacements. Though he claimed it was an attempt for a more independent court system, most of the public saw it as an attempt by the left winged government to consolidate power.
Vice President Alfredo Palacio replaced Gutierrez as the nation's leader. In front of Congress upon being sworn in, Palacio stated "The people of Ecuador, particularly the people of Quito, today have ended the dictatorship, the immorality, the great power, the terror of fear." This change in power did not occur smoothly by any means. Demonstrators blocked the road to the Quito airport in an attempt to prevent Gutierrez's departure. A fire broke out at the Ministry of Social Welfare, and no effort was put forth to extinguish it. On Thursday, April 21, Brazil's ambassador made the announcement that his country would grant Gutierrez asylum. Arrangements are being made for his safe passage out of Ecuador.
Presidential problems are unfortunately not new for the people of Ecuador. Since 1996, the country has had nine presidents. Constitutional changes made in 1998 have strengthened the executive branch but the office has been a continued source of conflict and turmoil.