The Guayaquil Council has voted to approve an extension of the unpaid leave of absence for Mayor Aquiles Alvarez. Alvarez was arrested during a police operation on February 10, 2026, as part of an investigation by the Fiscalía into alleged organized crime involving money laundering and tax fraud. Following his arrest, he requested another extension of his leave to be away from work until March 26, 2026, citing strictly personal reasons for his absence.

This marks the second time that Alvarez has sought a leave of absence without pay, having previously requested one on February 9, 2026. His continued absence raises concerns about the governance of Guayaquil, as Mayor Alvarez remains detained in the Latacunga prison while the investigation unfolds. The circumstances surrounding his arrest and the nature of the allegations have drawn significant media attention and public scrutiny.

The approval of his leave by the majority of the council members indicates a complex political situation within the council, as the ramifications of Alvarez's legal issues are likely to impact both the local government dynamics and the mayor's position. The ongoing investigation and the mayor's detention may lead to calls for deeper accountability within local governance, especially regarding public trust.