Ecuador Opposition Leader Luisa Gonzalez Arrested Over Campaign Financing Allegations
QUITO, Ecuador - Luisa Gonzalez, a prominent leftist politician and former presidential candidate in Ecuador, has been arrested on allegations of irregularities in campaign financing and spending during the 2023 election. Gonzalez, a protege of former President Rafael Correa, is under investigation by the Ecuadorean Attorney General's Office.
Gonzalez's arrest was confirmed by Gabriela Rivadeneira, the head of the Citizens' Revolution party, who accused the government of politically motivated persecution. Rivadeneira called for Gonzalez's immediate release, stating that she should not face a process of persecution and torture. Gonzalez herself denied the allegations, calling them "absurd" and asking for unity from her party members to reach freedom and democracy in Ecuador.
The investigation is focused on the source of funds used to finance election advertising between May and August 2023. According to the Attorney General's Office, a network of legal entities was used to channel approximately $500,000 to contract and purchase campaign advertising without disclosing the source or identity of those who contributed the funds.
Former President Correa, who backed Gonzalez's candidacy, also disputed the allegations, calling it "brutal and simple persecution." Three people have been arrested and will face charges for alleged money laundering, while seven individuals are under investigation for inconsistencies in campaign contributions and the lawful source of funds.
Gonzalez lost both the 2023 and 2025 presidential elections to President Daniel Noboa and had attempted to run in local elections set for November 29, but was unable to register her candidacy due to party registration rules.
