Socialist Lenin Moreno sworn in as Ecuador president

[sandensea]

Source: Reuters

Lenin Moreno was sworn in as Ecuador's president on Wednesday following a tight electoral race that the former vice president won on promises of maintaining the social programs of his leftist predecessor, Rafael Correa.

The 64-year-old socialist won a runoff last month against right-wing banker Guillermo Lasso, bucking a shift to the right in South America as leftist governments struggle to maintain support. He has promised a more conciliatory style with adversaries and foreign companies, in contrast to Correa's often combative manner.

Moreno promised more support for agriculture and tourism, adding he would provide cheap credit and push to modernize infrastructure. Debt terms will be improved, he said, and the relationship between the state and multinationals transformed. His oil minister, Carlos Pérez, is a former Halliburton executive.

Moreno is the first disabled individual to take office as president of Ecuador. He became paraplegic after being shot in the back during a robbery in 1998.

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-ecuador-politics-idUSKBN18K2GU?il=0

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The headline notwithstanding, Moreno is actually a little closer to the middle than his predecessor. All the best to him.

[Judi Lynn]

1. BBC: President Lenin Moreno takes office in Ecuador

3 hours ago

Ecuador's new President Lenin Moreno has taken office, pledging to continue the left-wing policies of his predecessor Rafael Correa.

In his inaugural speech, he promised more subsidies for the poor and a major social house-building programme which would create millions of jobs.

But he also said he would streamline government administration costs.

Mr Moreno won April's closely contested presidential election, beating his conservative rival Guillermo Lasso.

More:
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-40039581

[sandensea]

2. Here's a highlight from the inaugural:

"We shall combat corruption - including what was committed in the past.

It can't be that wrongdoers, blessed by the passage of time, are allowed to re-emerge as great financiers and businessmen.

And sometimes they even re-emerge as candidates who presume to judge what is good policy and what is just!"

··· He was, of course, referring to his opponent: the bankster Guillermo Lasso.

[Judi Lynn]

3. Very cool! First time I've heard his voice. He seems very capable, too, doesn't he?

Latin American presidencies for people of good will are extremely hard on the incumbant, considering how rigid and greedy and powerful the right-wing is throughout the continent, and Central America, as well.

Wishing him the very best possible luck.

Thank you for this video. I think I'm a fan, already.

[sandensea]

4. You're very welcome, Judi Lynn.

Here's hoping Moreno can find that sweet spot that allows some Latin American presidents to stay true to their populist outlook, while maintaining the respect - albeit grudging - of big interests.

Néstor Kirchner in Argentina was able to do that, as were Uruguay's Pepe Mujica and Tabaré Vázquez, as well as Chile's Ricardo Lagos and to a lesser extent Michelle Bachelet.

As you know, it takes talent - and above all, a good sense of timing.