Daniel Noboa corrected Executive Decree 18 and sent a shortlist to the Assembly in accordance with the IESS law
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President Daniel Noboa amended Executive Decree 18, with which he had initially appointed Edgar José Lama directly as a member of the IESS Board of Directors. This modification was made to comply with the regulations established in the Reform Law published in July 2024.
The change was made after it was recalled that, according to current law, the representative of the Executive Branch must be chosen from a shortlist sent to the National Assembly. Within this framework, the Executive corrected the procedure and submitted the shortlist headed by Lama.
Former Minister of Health, Edgar José Lama, was included as the first option on the shortlist, followed by Catalina Ayala Murrieta and Robert Joaquín Samaniego Portilla. The alternate shortlist was also submitted, which will be evaluated by the Assembly in the coming days.
This amendment reaffirms the Executive's commitment to institutional respect and the strengthening of the social security system. The measure allows the Assembly to exercise its authority without interference, respecting the timelines and procedures established by law.
Edgar Lama
Lama's appointment came after his departure from the Ministry of Health, where he was replaced by Juan Bernardo Sánchez through Executive Decree 7. With this transition, President Noboa continues to consolidate a technical, legalistic, and results-oriented administration. The swift amendment of the decree reflects a notable difference compared to past practices in which authorities were imposed without respecting institutional frameworks. The Government has demonstrated a willingness to make corrections without delay, strengthening democratic governance.
The IESS Board of Directors, which is key to the social security system, requires profiles with technical experience and a vocation for service. By proposing a shortlist, the Executive opens the process to legislative deliberation and reduces the margin of arbitrariness in appointments.
Additionally, the inclusion of diverse profiles in the shortlist demonstrates a pluralistic and professional vision of public service. This openness seeks to prevent IESS from once again being captured by political interests or clientelist networks as in previous administrations.
With this decision, President Daniel Noboa reaffirmed his commitment to legality and transparency. Public management, by adhering to the legal framework, generates trust and strengthens the institutions that uphold citizens' well-being.
