Power Struggle in Ecuador: VP Accuses President of Coup Attempt

Vice President Veronica Abad has accused President Daniel Noboa of attempting a 'coup' by sidelining her from political decisions and damaging women's representation in the government. Abad, based in Tel Aviv, claims she was banished and stripped of necessary security. The government dismissed the accusation as destabilization.

Ecuador's Vice President Veronica Abad has accused President Daniel Noboa of initiating a 'coup' by sidelining her from political decision-making and undermining women's representation in government. Abad, who is stationed in Tel Aviv to support peace efforts between Israel and Hamas, claims in a court filing that she has been unfairly marginalized.

The court filing, which also names government vice minister Esteban Torres, foreign minister Gabriela Sommerfeld, and presidential advisor Diana Jacome, alleges that Noboa has almost entirely erased Abad's political role as vice president. Abad contends that her assignment to Tel Aviv amid ongoing conflict and removal of her security detail constitutes 'gendered political violence.'

The complaint demands Noboa's removal from office, a four-year ban on holding public office for him and his allies, and a financial penalty. In response, the government labeled Abad's claims as a 'clumsy attempt at destabilization' and a clear coup attempt. Despite these allegations, Noboa, who is currently focused on improving national security, has announced plans to run for a full term in February's election.

(With inputs from agencies.)