Ecuador lawmakers debate impeachment of President Guillermo Lasso

After two weeks of protests over fuel prices and the high cost of living, Ecuador s Congress is debating whether to impeach market-friendly President Guillermo Lasso in a political escalation.

The leftist opposition party Revolucion Ciudadana, close to ex-President Rafael Correa, is trying to remove Lasso on the grounds that the country is facing a severe crisis, a constitutional provision that allows for the president's impeachment. The motion won't reach the 92 votes needed to oust Lasso while the group leads Ecuador's fracturing congress with 47 seats.

Lasso, who took office a year ago, is struggling with unrest as indigenous groups have attacked parts of the country and threatened oil production since mid-June. The protesters want to see a reduction in fuel prices, a moratorium on new oil and mining projects and halt plans to privatize government assets.

The president moved to appease demonstrators as lawmakers debated his impeachment, announcing a reduction in gasoline and diesel prices by 10 cents on the gallon. Low-octane gasoline will be cut by 4% to $2.45 per gallon, while diesel will drop by 5.3% to $1.8 per gallon, partially fulfilling their demands.

In a short address to the nation from Quito, Lasso said that fuel prices have become the cornerstone of the conflict. We need to think about the common good and the peace of our citizens despite the fact that this factor isn't the origin of the problems of Ecuadorians. He made a vow to restore order.

The opposition attempted to impeach the president on Sunday night, after kicking off Saturday night. Several parties across the political spectrum have rejected the removal attempt. If Lasso is impeached, he would be replaced by Vice President Alfredo Borrero, while elections to replace him are organized.

After reviewing the country's extended fund facility, the Andean nation will immediately disburse $1 billion to Ecuador, according to a program with the International Monetary Fund.

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