Damián Larco Guamán has recently been appointed as the interim president of the Judicial Council of Ecuador, taking charge at a critical time when the former president, Mario Godoy, is facing a political trial. Larco's election took place during a virtual extraordinary session on February 10, 2026, where four councilors convened to determine his appointment as Godoy takes a leave to address the allegations against him. This situation creates a temporary shift in leadership for the judiciary in Ecuador, reflecting the interplay of politics and the judicial system.

Before his appointment to the Judicial Council, Damián Larco held a prominent role as the General Director of the Internal Revenue Service of Ecuador (SRI) and has extensive experience within the private sector, having worked with firms like Deloitte & Touche and Price Waterhouse Cooper. His background in economics, specializing in taxation and auditing, positions him well for overseeing the judicial governance. As the new president, he is expected to navigate the challenges that come with the position while maintaining the integrity of the judicial body amid ongoing political pressures.

The implications of Larco's appointment extend beyond just leadership within the Judiciary; it also raises significant questions about the independence of judicial authorities in Ecuador and how political dynamics influence the judiciary. As Larco steps into this role, the public and political spheres will be watching closely, both in terms of the outcomes of Godoy’s political trial and Larco's ability to detach the judiciary from political influence during a turbulent time for the Ecuadorian government.