April 29, 2026
Rising discontent linked to economic strain and energy shortages in Ecuador. Photo: AFP
A new survey by the Centro de Investigaciones y Estudios Especializados (CIEES) shows that 73 percent of Ecuadorians distrust President Daniel Noboa, reflecting a significant deterioration in public perception between March and mid-April.
The poll, conducted on April 18–19 in Quito and Guayaquil, found that 66 percent of respondents expressed disapproval of the president, while 69 percent rated his administration negatively. In March, those figures were 56 percent and 57 percent, respectively, indicating a sustained increase in rejection.
CIEES reported that public backing for the executive has declined alongside a worsening social climate. Indignation rose from 37 to 40 percent, while fear increased from 25 to 28 percent over the same period.
Insecurity remains the main concern among respondents, although it dropped from 70 to 58 percent. At the same time, concern over economic conditions increased from 16 to 26 percent. Perceptions of poor governance and corruption nearly doubled, rising from 12 to 21 percent.
The decline in approval coincides with the implementation of nighttime curfews in several provinces aimed at containing violence. In parallel, the government announced changes in the Health and Energy ministries, both under sustained criticism due to scheduled power outages and shortages of medicines and supplies in the national health system.
The drop in confidence aligns with data from the United Nations World Food Programme’s “HungerMap Live,” which places Ecuador in phase 3 of acute food insecurity between September 2024 and March 2025, a level indicating critical vulnerability.
The text reads: The UN World Food Program reports that more than 2.8 million Ecuadorians are at risk of food insecurity, in phase 3 of the food crisis. This comes as a poll reveals that 73% of citizens distrust President Daniel Noboa.
Survey results contrast with recent statements by President Noboa, who said that sales in the country have increased. However, respondents reported a marked deterioration in household economic conditions and limited employment opportunities.
The findings point to growing public dissatisfaction as economic pressures and governance concerns intensify in Ecuador’s main urban centers.
Source: telesur