The passage of the Organic Law Reforming the Organic Code of Territorial Organization, Autonomy, and Decentralization was marked by a significant majority in the Ecuadorian Assembly, with 77 votes in favor and 71 against. This law aims to promote sustainability and efficiency in the spending of decentralized autonomous governments (GAD), which has raised discussions among local authorities.

Roberta Zambrano, the prefect of Esmeraldas, clarified that the reform should not be viewed as a budget cut for the GADs but rather as a directive to optimize resource utilization. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that funds allocated for public works and administrative expenses are used effectively, suggesting that unspent funds would be taken back by the Ministry of Finance. This focus on efficiency suggests a shift in how local governments manage their budgets, urging less waste and more accountability in financial planning.

The implications of this law could lead to closer oversight of how budgets are executed by local governments, potentially improving service delivery to the community. However, it may also present challenges for regions like Esmeraldas, which might face pressure to quickly utilize allocated resources or risk losing them, highlighting the ongoing tension between efficient governance and the financial realities faced by decentralized systems.