Guillermo Lasso

Guillermo Lasso, born on November sixteenth, nineteen fifty-five, is an influential Ecuadorian businessman, banker, and politician who served as the forty-seventh president of Ecuador from two thousand twenty-one to two thousand twenty-three. His political journey began with his role as Governor of Guayas from nineteen ninety-eight to nineteen ninety-nine, followed by a brief tenure as Superminister of Economy during Jamil Mahuad's presidency in nineteen ninety-nine. Lasso also served as the Itinerant Ambassador of Ecuador in two thousand three during Lucio Gutiérrez's administration.

A traditional economic liberal, Lasso is known for advocating the division of powers to limit government and protect fundamental rights. His public agenda emphasizes lower taxes and free-market principles. He founded the Creating Opportunities Party in two thousand twelve, marking his entry into presidential politics. Lasso first ran for president in two thousand thirteen, finishing second to President Rafael Correa, and later contested the two thousand seventeen election, where he narrowly lost to Lenín Moreno.

In his third presidential campaign in two thousand twenty-one, Lasso advanced to the run-off and was elected president. His presidency was marked by significant initiatives, including COVID-19 vaccination efforts and economic relief packages funded by tax increases on the wealthy and support from the International Monetary Fund. However, rising food and fuel prices, along with his economic policies, sparked widespread protests, raising concerns over human rights abuses amid government crackdowns on dissent.

As his approval ratings plummeted throughout two thousand twenty-two and into two thousand twenty-three, Lasso faced impeachment proceedings. In May two thousand twenty-three, he invoked a constitutional measure known as muerte cruzada to dissolve the National Assembly, leading to a general election in which he did not seek re-election. He was succeeded by Daniel Noboa.