Ecuadorian Prefect Paola Pabón has raised concerns about a proposed law that threatens the financial efficiency and effectiveness of local governments, particularly affecting poorer regions.
Paola Pabón, the Prefect of Pichincha, has voiced serious concerns regarding a proposed reform to the Organic Code of Territorial Organisation, Autonomy, and Decentralisation (Cootad) aimed at improving the sustainability and efficiency of spending by decentralized autonomous governments (GAD). Pabón argues that this legislative reform poses significant risks to local governments, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas, which could lead to detrimental impacts on public works execution and the continuity of essential social programs and services.
The local leader mentioned that the proposed changes to the existing law could seriously hinder the ability of decentralized governments to engage in crucial infrastructure projects that are essential for community development. With a focus on efficiency, the law's implementation might inadvertently compromise the already limited resources allocated to the regions, a move that Pabón characterizes as neglectful towards the pressing needs of impoverished territories.
In response to these challenges, Pabón has emphasized her commitment to utilizing all legal avenues to contest the proposed legislation, including potential appeals to the Constitutional Court. Her proactive stance underscores the tension between government efforts to streamline fiscal operations and the necessity of safeguarding community welfare in the face of reforms that may unintentionally exacerbating existing social inequalities.
