Correísta Álvarez challenges the Assembly and relies on the law to avoid political oversight of his administration
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The mayor of Guayaquil, Aquiles Álvarez, sent a letter to the president of the National Assembly, Niels Olsen, to voluntarily appear before the legislative plenary and present his administration. The request was made on August 4, 2025.
The request arose after he was summoned by the Biodiversity Commission on July 31, in order to explain the suspension of the overpass in Los Ceibos, a project that has caused tensions with the Guayas Prefecture and the Ministry of Environment.
Álvarez did not attend that summons due to his schedule on Puná Island, where he inaugurated a health center and presided over a municipal council session. In his letter, he reaffirmed his interest in publicly reporting directly to the country.
The mayor clarified that his appearance is voluntary, arguing that the Constitution and the Law of the Legislative Function do not empower the Legislature to exercise political oversight over Decentralized Autonomous Governments (GAD) authorities. Alvarez pide fecha para comparece en el Pleno.
Guayaquil councilors supported that position, citing the COOTAD, which establishes that only council members can oversee a mayor. For that reason, they rejected the initial summons issued by the Biodiversity Commission.
Camila León, president of that commission, questioned Álvarez's refusal with a video in which she ironically commented on his lack of interest. "I saw him moving in a canoe... I only recommend he be careful so his ankle monitor doesn't get wet," she said, generating controversy.
Meanwhile, from the Citizen Revolution, a movement led by Rafael Correa, a supposed political persecution against Álvarez was denounced, which has reignited the debate about the autonomy of the GAD and the scope of political oversight in the country.
Álvarez is now seeking a new date to attend the Legislature and publicly respond regarding his administration. Amid political disputes and inter-institutional tensions, his message is clear: accountability, but without overstepping functions.
