Lenín Moreno

Lenín Moreno
Name	Lenín Moreno
Birth date	1953-03-19
Birth place	Nuevo Rocafuerte, Pastaza Province, Ecuador
Nationality	Ecuadorian
Occupation	Politician, former Vice President, former President
Office	President of Ecuador
Term start	2017
Term end	2021
Predecessor	Rafael Correa
Successor	Guillermo Lasso

Lenín Moreno (born 19 March 1953) is an Ecuadorian politician and former diplomat who served as Vice President of Ecuador (2007–2013) and President of Ecuador (2017–2021). Initially aligned with the Alianza PAIS movement and its leader Rafael Correa, his presidency marked a notable political realignment that affected relations with regional actors such as United States, Venezuela, Cuba, and institutions including the International Monetary Fund and the Organization of American States.

Early life and education

Born in Nuevo Rocafuerte, in the Pastaza Province of Ecuador, he contracted polio in childhood, leading to long-term disability and use of crutches—an experience later associated with disability advocacy linked to groups like World Health Organization initiatives and United Nations disability rights frameworks such as the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. He studied at institutions in Quito and trained in Ecuadorian Army-related programs during his early adulthood. Moreno received professional training in public administration and health services, engaging with organizations such as the Ministry of Public Health and collaborating with non-governmental actors including Red Cross affiliates and international development agencies like the Inter-American Development Bank on social programs.

Political career before the presidency

Moreno entered national politics as a member of the movement Alianza PAIS, allied with former President Rafael Correa. He was elected Vice President in 2007 alongside Correa, participating in initiatives involving the Constituent Assembly (Ecuador, 2007–2008), interactions with the National Assembly (Ecuador), and policies connected to oil companies such as Petroecuador and state banks like the Banco Central del Ecuador. As Vice President he gained prominence through the creation of the national social program Manuela Espejo and by leading the nation’s campaign for disability rights, coordinating with international bodies such as the Pan American Health Organization and United Nations Development Programme. After his vice presidency he served as Ecuador's ambassador to United Nations agencies and engaged with multilateral forums including the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States and regional summits like the Union of South American Nations.

Presidency (2017–2021)

Elected President in 2017, he succeeded Rafael Correa amid a divided political landscape that included parties such as CREO and figures like Guillermo Lasso and Andrés Arauz. His inauguration followed a contested electoral campaign involving debates over constitutional interpretation and alliances within Alianza PAIS. During his term he confronted national crises involving the Ecuadorian debt crisis, negotiating with creditors including the International Monetary Fund and private bondholders in international markets such as New York Stock Exchange venues. His administration confronted security challenges tied to organized crime networks operating across borders with links to Colombia and Mexico, while making high-profile decisions regarding asylum and diplomatic protection for figures like Julian Assange and relations with the Embassy of Ecuador in London.

Domestic policies and governance

Domestically, his administration implemented a shift from the policies of Rafael Correa, pursuing austerity measures, labor reforms, and adjustments to public spending that involved financial institutions such as the Central Bank of Ecuador and fiscal oversight bodies like the Contraloría General del Estado. Moreno’s policy agenda included attempts at pension reform, renegotiation of public contracts with multinational firms and state enterprises including Petroamazonas, and measures affecting media regulation that brought him into disputes with outlets and professional associations such as the Andean Community of Nations-linked press organizations. His government faced social mobilizations, protests organized by national unions like the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador and movements centered in provinces such as Guayas and Pichincha, provoking debates in the National Assembly (Ecuador) and interventions by the judiciary, including the Corte Nacional de Justicia.

Foreign policy and international relations

Moreno recalibrated Ecuadorian foreign policy by restoring ties with the United States, altering relations with governments led by Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela and Raúl Castro-era Cuba, and deepening cooperation with multilateral lenders such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. His administration withdrew diplomatic protection for Julian Assange at the Embassy of Ecuador, London, affecting bilateral ties with the United Kingdom. Ecuador under his leadership engaged in regional diplomacy with actors like Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and transnational institutions including the Organization of American States and the United Nations Security Council through non-permanent engagements, while participating in trade discussions relevant to blocs such as the Pacific Alliance.

Legal controversies and post-presidential developments

Post-presidency, Moreno has been subject to investigations and legal scrutiny involving allegations about the handling of public funds, procurement contracts with companies and contractors, and decisions regarding pardons and state enterprises, prompting inquiries by institutions such as the Attorney General of Ecuador and the National Assembly (Ecuador)’s oversight committees. High-profile controversies referenced interactions with business figures, alleged influence peddling, and record requests tied to international banking jurisdictions including Switzerland and Panama financial records. Legal proceedings involve Ecuadorian courts like the Corte Nacional de Justicia and have prompted responses from international legal observers and human rights organizations including the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. As of the end of his presidential term, ongoing legal and political repercussions continued to influence debates within parties such as Alianza PAIS, opposition coalitions like CREO, and among civil society groups including indigenous federations and labor unions.

Category:Presidents of Ecuador Category:1953 births Category:Living people