Raúl Chávez, a current legislator and close friend of Guayaquil's mayor Aquiles Alvarez, has publicly labeled Alvarez's recent arrest in the Goleada case as a mere 'smokescreen' intended to divert public attention from the more significant problems facing Ecuador. Alvarez was arrested on February 10 and is being investigated for alleged organized crime linked to money laundering and tax fraud. This high-profile case highlights concerns about governmental accountability and public management in Ecuador.

Chávez's comments reflect a broader frustration among some lawmakers regarding the government's handling of various issues affecting citizens. He emphasized that the controversy surrounding Alvarez's arrest is symptomatic of a lack of effective governance, which he believes fails to address critical topics such as public safety, corruption, and economic instability. The perception that the government might be using Alvarez's arrest to shift focus from these problems raises questions about transparency and trust in Ecuador's political system.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the public will respond to these developments and whether this case will escalate into a more extensive debate over the government's performance. The implications of this case could potentially impact future elections, public sentiment, and political alliances in Ecuador, as well as the ongoing concerns about judicial independence and integrity within the country’s political framework.