Paola Pabón, the Prefect of Pichincha, has formally asked to be heard by the National Assembly's Economic Development Commission concerning the urgent Law Reform Project aimed at enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of Decentralized Autonomous Governments (GADs) in Ecuador. This request, made via an official letter on February 16, 2026, highlights her intent to communicate the concerns of various governmental levels, particularly stressing the implications for the Prefecture of Pichincha regarding this significant legislative change.

In her appeal, Pabón, who previously served as President of the Consortium of Provincial Governments (Congope), expresses her worry that the proposed law conflicts with the autonomy guarantees stated in Article 6 of the Code of Organic Territorial Organization, Autonomy, and Decentralization (Cootad). She raises alarms about the effects that the law may have on the predictability of resources and the implementation of public policies and infrastructure works that are critical for local governance and community needs.

The upcoming discussions on this law reform proposal are crucial as they aim to redefine fiscal relations and operational frameworks for decentralized governments. The outcome of these proceedings could significantly impact governance and the delivery of services at local levels, fueling debates about autonomy, resource allocation, and the future of public administration beyond the provincial context.