Ecuador’s opposition-dominated parliament on Wednesday began impeachment proceedings against Interior Minister Monica Palencia, who is accused of failing to control escalating drug-related violence.
Palencia is the most visible site of the government’s fight against the crime wave rocking the South American country.
She intends to defend herself against accusations that two lawmakers close to former Socialist Party president Rafael Correa are trying to remove her from office.
Impeachment requires the support of 92 of the 137 members of Congress, giving the opposition party a majority.
Ecuador, once seen as a beacon of stability in South America, has in recent years become one of the world’s most violent countries and a major drug-trafficking center.
Ecuador will record 47 murders per 100,000 people in 2023, up from 6 murders per 100,000 people in 2018.
President Daniel Novoa’s government said a crackdown on gangs said to be linked to international criminal organizations such as Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel has led to a drop in murders this year.
Mr. Noboa defended Mr. Palencia, saying he canceled a trip to Brazil to comply with impeachment proceedings and would “accompany him throughout the journey.”
