On March 5, 2026, the Ecuadorian National Assembly is set to convene to discuss the lifting of parliamentary immunity for Mónica Palacios and Juan Andrés González, both members of the opposition party, Revolución Ciudadana (RC). This session, called by Assembly President Niels Olsen, will take place virtually and will involve consideration of requests made by national judges Mercedes Caicedo and Javier de la Cadena for authorization to begin criminal proceedings against the two legislators.

The legal proceedings against Palacios are tied to a lawsuit filed by Mishel Mancheno, the first vice president of the National Assembly and a member of the ruling party, Acción Democrática Nacional (ADN). Mancheno has accused Palacios of defamation over social media posts and interviews, alleging that Palacios disseminated harmful messages about her on January 7 through her personal account on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). This case highlights ongoing tensions between the government and opposition in Ecuador, as accusations of defamation and political maneuvering are common in the current political climate.

The decision to lift immunity is significant as it could set a precedent for how lawmakers are held accountable for their statements and actions while in office. It underscores the delicate balance between freedom of expression and accountability in politics, particularly in a country like Ecuador, where political polarization is intense. If the Assembly votes to lift the immunity, it could pave the way for further legal challenges against opposition figures, raising questions about the implications for democracy and political discourse in the country.