Jorge Glas's safe-conduct marked the contrast between Noboa and González

The issue of the safe-conduct for Jorge Glas became one of the most tense points of the presidential debate. Meanwhile, Daniel Noboa reaffirmed his outright refusal, Luisa González showed a discursive shift that raised questions.

During the debate on March 23, 2025, Noboa directly confronted González, asking her if as president she would grant the safe-conduct. The candidate of the Citizen Revolution replied that she would comply with the Constitution, contradicting her previous stance.

In January, González had declared her intention to grant it, appealing to international regulations. However, after the police intervention at the Mexican embassy and the breakdown of diplomatic relations, the candidate changed her position, trying to soften her support for Glas.

On the other hand, Noboa has maintained a firm and unwavering position since he began his term. The president emphasized that he will not accept conditions from any country that involve the release or transfer of Glas, and he described the request as "a red line."

Noboa's government has flatly rejected attempts to negotiate Glas's release, even when last December the safe-conduct was requested from Venezuela. His chancellor, Gabriela Sommerfeld, assured that such negotiations would not take place in the current administration.

Noboa also downplayed the need to reestablish relations with Mexico under unacceptable conditions, recalling that the North American country was one of the least favorable trading partners for Ecuador until 2024.

In a clear tone, the president stated: "We can sit down, eat some tacos, but if the red line for both is the same, there's nothing more to negotiate." This statement highlighted his willingness to dialogue, but without compromising legal principles or yielding to diplomatic pressures.

This approach contrasts with González's indecision, who adjusted her discourse in the middle of the campaign, trying to distance herself from an issue that could cost her support among the most critical voters of correísmo.

"I will comply with the Constitution and the laws. The same ones you violate", said González in the debate, alluding to the crisis with Mexico, without giving concrete answers about her current stance on Glas.

This ambiguity has been interpreted by analysts as an electoral tactic, but it weakens the credibility of her leadership proposal in front of an electorate that demands clarity on sensitive issues such as justice and sovereignty.

The safe-conduct for Jorge Glas has become a symbol of firmness or ambiguity depending on the stance each candidate takes. Meanwhile, Noboa maintains a clear defense of the rule of law, González has shown inconsistencies that cast doubt on her commitment to Ecuadorian justice.