Ecuador became the country with the second-highest number of ministries.

Daniel Noboa's government has begun a drastic reduction in the size of the State. Labor Minister Ivonne Núñez confirmed that 5,000 officials have already been dismissed as part of the administrative efficiency plan.

With this restructuring, Ecuador goes from having 20 to only 14 ministries. This measure aims to optimize the use of public resources, in line with the National Development Plan approved by the National Assembly.

According to Núñez, the elimination of duplicate positions and the merger of inefficient administrative structures were prioritized. The objective is to reorganize the state apparatus without affecting key services.

The cuts have not affected people in vulnerable situations, such as older adults, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and people with disabilities.

The minister explained that a new performance evaluation for public personnel will be implemented. This will be conducted every six months and six parameters will be applied: goals, quality, conduct, efficiency, responsibility, and institutional contributions.

The resulting scores will allow for promotions, training programs, or, in the case of poor performance, the dismissal of the official after a second evaluation.

Núñez also pointed out that in the past, evaluations were subjective and designed to avoid dismissals. Now, the new rules will require accountability from both employees and institutions.

The reduction in personnel, according to the minister, doesn't respond to IMF requirements. Although the $258 million cut in salaries is included in the budget, it is part of the Executive's plan and not due to external demands.

The Government is promoting institutional reengineering based on efficiency and meritocracy. Although controversial, the plan seeks to consolidate a more agile and less costly State.