Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa appointed Luis Alberto Jaramillo as the new finance minister and confirmed Ines Manzano as the interim energy and oil minister, according to presidential decrees issued in Quito on February 13. These changes, enacted late on Wednesday and Thursday, followed leftist Luisa Gonzalez's strong showing in the presidential election's first round on Sunday, setting up a close race for reelection in April.
Jaramillo, who previously served as the minister of production, will be succeeded in that role by Carlos Zaldumbide. The International Monetary Fund announced in December that it had completed the first review of a program for Ecuador, allowing for an immediate disbursement of around $500 million.
Outgoing finance minister Juan Carlos Vega, in office since November 2023, announced his resignation in a letter posted on social media. He highlighted strengthening government revenues and debt repayment during his tenure. Manzano took over as energy minister last October amid planned, widespread changes in the ministry.
Noboa has deployed the military in the streets and prisons to address the country's severe security issues, mainly attributed to criminal organizations.