Ecuador’s Labor Ministry suspended Vice President Veronica Abad from office Saturday, citing her refusal to leave her post as ambassador to Israel for Turkey amid Gaza security concerns, a move that could impact President Daniel Noboa’s re-election bid next year.
The ministry’s resolution, dated Friday but released Saturday, accuses Abad of committing a “serious” disciplinary offense by failing to comply with foreign ministry orders to relocate before September 1. The suspension removes her from office until April without pay, just months before the country’s elections are set to begin in January.
“This behavior will go down in history as an abuse of power above the Constitution, the law and rights,” said Damian Armijos, Abad’s legal representative, on X, formerly Twitter. Armijos noted that an appeal had been filed but rejected.
The suspension could complicate Noboa’s electoral prospects, as Ecuadorian law requires him to maintain his vice president in office to participate in the campaign. Abad and Noboa have reportedly maintained a tense relationship.
Abad could not be reached immediately for comment.
