Rafael Correa, President of Ecuador and Ben Boothe

Emerging Political Trends in Ecuador, the power of "younger faces" with integrity!

It is refreshing, when a younger politician, who seems to have integrity, who understands economics, and trade, to enter the field. Today I had a 2.5 hour meeting with an emerging leader of Ecuador, who seems destined to become one of the country's candidates for President. Rafael Correa, an Economist has an unusual grasp of the global economy and the intricacies of currency valuation, international trade, and macro-economics. Plus he is quick witted, charming, and has a disarming smile.

As the photo shows, I am with two political leaders, in Cuenca, Ecuador. Maria Caridad Vazquez, the Chairman and Director of the Nuevo Pais (New Country) party, and Bernarda Vazquez (an economist and leading member of the same party) stand with Rafael Correa. Maria Caridad and Bernarda are both extraordinary political leaders and represent a new "face" of integrity and skill in Ecuador. We came to this private meeting to ask questions, probe and advise Rafael Correa. Maria Vazquez asked Rafael to clarify his views on economic development, the environment and women’s rights. Bernarda Vazquez was concerned about jobs, corruption and the economy.

Rafael Correa replied that he is concerned about the growing economic disadvantages, job losses and inability to compete in the global economy because of the official “dollarization” of Ecuador’s currency. He pointed out that dollarization was good at first, because it stabilized the currency and stopped inflation. But now, Ecuador is finding it increasingly more difficult to compete with nations such as China, because of the “fixed” currency with the dollar policy.

He is part of a new vision of Latin America to create a united continental nation that can change the political landscape for the America’s. He sees that Latin America is emerging as a huge economic power, and knows that to unite is the only way to create a strong competitive economic and political power. He is joined in this “vision” by leaders of several other nations in Latin America. While this is not a new idea, it is one that has been strengthened by the passage of NAFTA, and the new United Europe. He is not a part of any political party. While this creates organizational difficulties, it gives him independence of thought and freedom to explore new directions. Only time will tell if he has the financial support and ability to create a good network and effective organization. He is concerned with the massive World Bank debt that Ecuador is saddled with. He believes that the nation should negotiate better terms with the World Bank, and request some debt forgiveness, as Ecuador’s economic policies change and mature.

He is concerned with the plight of women in Ecuador. There are far more women in Ecuador, because the men have to travel abroad to make a living to send support home to their families in Ecuador. Yet the voice of women is largely unheard, and there are many abuses of women. One thing he recognizes is that women vote and work in political campaigns. He is married and if his wife joins him on the campaign trail, it can increase his support among women in Ecuador.

He is concerned about the plight of children and the aged, those who cannot fend for themselves. He wants the government to provide programs to help these sectors of the population.

He is concerned about corruption. He believes that the nation’s youth are the answer to a new government free of the “old ways” of bribery and graft.

As I listened to Rafael Correa, I began to feel a sense of hope for the nation. He seems to represent high hopes and aspirations of the "Global Generation" and may give Ecuadorians an alternative for new leadership in the next elections. The world needs more men like him. 

(POST ARTICLE COMMENT: RAFAEL CORREA LATER WON THE ELECTION IN ECUADOR AND HAS BEEN THE PRESIDENT OF THAT NATION UP TO THE PRESENT)