Ecuador's Minister of Government, Nataly Morillo, has publicly defended an urgent bill aimed at ensuring the sustainability of spending by decentralized autonomous governments, commonly known as GADs. This bill, discussed on February 14 during its first debate in the National Assembly, has sparked controversy, particularly among those who oppose the proposal put forth by the Executive. Morillo took to social media to assert that the ADN caucus has initiated a significant step, which would allocate 70% of GAD budgets towards vital infrastructure projects, including potable water, sewage systems, and roadways.

In her statements, Morillo expressed strong disapproval of opponents to the bill, arguing that their stance is fueled by a preference for maintaining a spending model that prioritizes bureaucracy and non-public investment expenditures. She criticized the detractors for allegedly wanting to sustain a system that squanders public resources on bureaucratic overhead, unnecessary celebrations, and wastefulness, rather than channeling funds toward transformative public works that could significantly improve citizens' lives.

The implications of Morillo's defense of the bill are substantial, as it seeks to reshape how funding is allocated in Ecuador's public sector. By stressing the importance of prioritizing citizens and essential services, the bill reflects a shift towards more accountable and impactful public spending. The discussion surrounding this legislation is crucial for understanding the future of decentralized governance in Ecuador and the ongoing debates over effective resource allocation at various levels of government.