Authorities of Guayaquil Municipality assert that works, services, and administrative processes will continue despite the preventive detention of Aquiles Alvarez
Guayaquil municipal authorities have announced that they will maintain ongoing projects and administrative processes despite Mayor Aquiles Alvarez being placed under preventive detention due to various criminal investigations.
On February 11, authorities from the Municipality of Guayaquil, led by acting Deputy Mayor Tatiana Coronel, addressed the future of municipal administration following the preventive detention of Mayor Aquiles Alvarez. Alvarez and ten others are under investigation for alleged organized crime related to money laundering and tax fraud. This decision follows a hearing where charges were formally presented, and for Alvarez, this adds to ongoing legal troubles stemming from the 'Triple A' case regarding illegal trading of petroleum products, forcing him to wear an electronic ankle monitor prior to his detention.
During the hearing, five individuals, including Alvarez and his two brothers, were handed preventive detention, indicating a serious escalation in the case known as Goleada. Meanwhile, five other accused received alternative measures, and another individual was ordered to house arrest. The local government is focused on ensuring that municipal services and projects continue under these challenging circumstances, emphasizing that the administrative processes will not be interrupted despite the legal issues faced by Alvarez.
This situation raises significant questions about the stability of local governance and the impact on public services in Guayaquil. As the municipality vows to continue operations, it also reflects on the larger issue of corruption and accountability in Ecuadorian politics, as the implications of these cases could resonate beyond just the local context, influencing public trust and future electoral outcomes in the region.