The Ecuadorian government convened mayors in Guayaquil to discuss budget concerns ahead of a critical vote on a law impacting decentralized governments.
On February 19, 2026, the Ecuadorian Ministry of Government held a closed-door meeting titled ‘Dialogue of Mayors: Budget for the Development of Ecuador’ at the Guayas Governorate in Guayaquil. This meeting was timed just before the Assembly's scheduled vote on an urgent law intended to enhance the efficiency of fiscal management by Decentralized Autonomous Governments (GAD), set for February 20, 2026, at Universidad Ecotec in Samborondón.
The proposed legislation has attracted criticism from several local authorities who express concerns about its potential implications for the autonomy and financial resources of local governments. Among the attendees was Manuel Álvarez, the mayor of Cañar, who emphasized that the legislation could adversely affect smaller local governments, hinting at a broader unease among regional leaders regarding centralized control and resource allocation.
As the anticipated vote approaches, the tension reflects ongoing debates around governance and fiscal responsibility in Ecuador, particularly concerning how decentralized administrations can sustain their operational capabilities in light of legislative changes. The outcomes of both the dialogue and the upcoming vote could significantly influence the landscape of local governance in the country and the relationship between national and local authorities.
