The US veto of Rafael Correa: a blow to corruption and Ecuadorian politics

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Former Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa is back in the spotlight of international politics, this time due to sanctions imposed by the United States government for his involvement in corruption.

News confirmed byMattthew Millerwho is the spokesman for the State Department, this was through his profile on X:

Today’s designation of former Ecuadorian President Correa and former Vice President Glas for their involvement in significant acts of corruption during their tenure demonstrates our strong commitment to promoting accountability for corrupt actors.

This decision marks a significant milestone in the fight against corruption in Latin America, a theme that has been recurrent in many governments in the region, especially those with populist and leftist inclinations, as is the case of Correa.

The sanction: a strong message

The US State Department announced in early October 2024 that Correa and his former vice president, Jorge Glas, would be banned from entering the United States. This measure also includes their close relatives, such as their spouses and adult children.

According to the official statement, Correa and Glas «abused their positions» by accepting bribes in exchange for awarding state contracts, mainly during their mandate in Ecuador (2007-2017). This move seeks to make clear that neither political position nor rank protects those involved from being held accountable for corrupt acts.

The Bribery Case and the Accusations

Correa had already been convicted in 2020 for the famous «Bribes case»,in which he was linked to a corruption scheme in which high-ranking officials in his government requested bribes from businessmen in exchange for contracts with the State.

These funds, according to the investigation, were used to finance political campaigns of his party, Alianza PAIS, perpetuating the power of his government. Along with Correa, 19 other officials, including Jorge Glas and former ministers of his administration, were also sentenced.

Correa: between denial and exile

Since his conviction, Correa has remained in exile in Belgium, where he lives with his wife, Anne Malherbe Gosselin. Over the years, the former president has repeatedly denied all the accusations against him, describing the sentences as political persecution led by his opponents in Ecuador.

On social media and in interviews, Correa has dismissed the US sanctions, saying he has no interest in traveling to that country and calling the event just another political strategy.

US visa bans against former Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa and his family are a “transparently political attempt to weaken” the left ahead of elections – Center for Economic and Policy Research.

However, the reality of the facts and the strength of the evidence against him have been sufficient for both Ecuador and the United States to act accordingly.

Correa’s response was through several messages suggesting that the ban could be due to a possible «retaliation for what was related to Julian Assange», as well as insinuating that it is an attempt to distract from the «disaster of the Noboa Government at its worst moment» and to influence the Ecuadorian electoral campaign.

Jorge Glas: from prison to hunger strike

The case of Jorge Glas is equally emblematic. After being convicted for his involvement in the corruption scheme, Glas was imprisoned in Ecuador. During his time in prison, he attempted suicide and went on several hunger strikes in protest, demanding his release and claiming that his imprisonment was political retaliation.

Despite these desperate gestures, the Ecuadorian judicial system has been firm in its decision to uphold the conviction and reject any habeas corpus attempts filed by his defense.

Implications for Ecuador and the region

The sanctions imposed by the United States are not only a direct blow to Correa and his inner circle, but also a clear message to Latin America. Washington has shown, through these actions, its willingness to act against corrupt leaders, regardless of their political affiliation.

For Ecuador, this veto has multiple implications. On the one hand, it reinforces the fight against corruption that, although late, is gaining strength in the country. On the other hand, it highlights the political polarization that still persists between Correa’s followers and those who see him as the main culprit of the institutional crisis that the country is going through.

In Latin America, this decision also serves as a warning to other populist leaders who have been accused of corruption and who, like Correa, have tried to hide behind the discourse of political persecution.

The sanctions against the former Ecuadorian president follow the same line of actions previously taken by the United States against leaders such as Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela or Daniel Ortega in Nicaragua, creating a clear pattern of international pressure against corruption and authoritarianism in the region.

Acts of corruption, especially those that so directly affect democracy and the well-being of people, cannot and must not go unpunished.

This case also invites us to reflect on the danger of populist regimes that, under the pretext of governing «for the people», end up establishing networks of corruption and clientelism that only benefit a privileged elite.

It is essential that we continue to demand transparency and accountability from our leaders, and that we remain vigilant so as not to fall into the trap of false political messiahs.

Maria Herrera Mellado

María Herrera Mellado es una abogada de EE.UU. y licenciada en España. Doctora en Ciencias Jurídicas y Analista política. La Dra. Herrera es conocida por su amplia experiencia en análisis y consultas en el diseño de políticas públicas, propuestas de ley y gestión en relaciones internacionales.

Su reconocimiento proviene de sus contribuciones al análisis y representación legal de diversas organizaciones, empresas e individuos que han visto abusados sus derechos humanos, su privacidad o en la inclusión  de políticas efectivas fundamentalmente en el ámbito de la transparencia y la rendición de cuentas, así como la lucha contra la corrupción.

Su formación académica y experiencias profesionales la convierten en una voz respetada en el debate público y en el análisis de temas de actualidad sobre todo en los desafíos políticos y legales contemporáneos.

María Herrera Mellado is a U.S.-based attorney also licensed in Spain. She holds a PhD in Legal Sciences and is known as a media legal and policy analyst.

Dr. Herrera is recognized for her extensive experience in analyzing and consulting on public policy design, legislative proposals, and international relations management.

Her recognition stems from her contributions to the analysis and legal representation of various organizations, companies, and individuals whose human rights or privacy have been violated, or who have benefited from the inclusion of effective policies, primarily in the areas of transparency, accountability, and the fight against corruption.

Her academic background and professional experience make her a respected voice in public debate and in the analysis of current issues, particularly in contemporary political and legal challenges.