Ecuador's Ex-President Lenín Moreno Returns to Quito Days Before Bribery Trial

The return of former Ecuadorian President Lenín Moreno to Quito, just days before his scheduled bribery trial in the Sinohydro case, has ignited political fervor and raised significant questions about justice and accountability in Ecuador. Moreno, who has been serving as an Organization of American States (OAS) commissioner in Paraguay, landed in his home country accompanied by his wife, Rocío González, who is also implicated in the case.

“

El expresidente de Ecuador Lenín Moreno (2017-2021) regresó este miércoles a su país, cuatro días antes de la fecha convocada para el inicio del juicio del caso Sinohydro, en el que está acusado de cohecho por supuestamente haber recibido sobornos cuando era vicepresidente de Rafael Correa, según informó el canal Ecuavisa y pudo confirmar EFE.

This development is particularly charged given the history between Moreno and his predecessor, Rafael Correa. Correa, who has been a vocal critic of Moreno, took to social media to assert that Moreno's return was "pactado con Noboa" (agreed with Noboa) and labeled the former president a "delincuente" (criminal). Correa further claimed that Moreno and his family are "hundidos hasta el cuello" (sunk up to their necks) in the Sinohydro case, predicting that the "real culprits" would be let go with impunity, echoing his criticisms in the Progen case.

“

el regreso de Moreno está "pactado con Noboa" y calificó al exmandatario de "delincuente".

Correa's commentary suggests a deep-seated political animosity and a belief that the current administration might be orchestrating a deal. He also speculated that Moreno would use his return to support President Noboa and attack Colombian President Gustavo Petro and the "correísmo" movement. This narrative frames Moreno's legal troubles within a broader political battle, highlighting the deep divisions within Ecuadorian politics.

“

Moreno y su familia están "hundidos hasta el cuello" y sostuvo que ocurrirá "lo mismo que con Progen", por lo que se dejará "en impunidad a los verdaderos culpables, pese a las contundentes pruebas".

From the perspective of ABC Color in Paraguay, which reports on this event, the focus is on the legal proceedings and the allegations of corruption. The trial centers on accusations that Sinohydro paid over $76 million in bribes for the construction of the Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric plant. Prosecutors allege that Moreno and his family received over $1 million in kickbacks. Moreno himself has previously dismissed the charges as "revenge" by Correa, stemming from his decision as president to reveal information that he claims prevented a "perpetual dictatorship" in Ecuador. The upcoming trial will be closely watched as it unfolds the complex web of alleged corruption, political intrigue, and personal vendettas that have long characterized Ecuadorian politics.

“

Mientras tanto, esta bazofia, que no tiene nada que perder, se dedicará a apoyar, directa o indirectamente, a Noboa y a atacar a (el presidente colombiano, Gustavo) Petro y al correísmo. Ojalá me equivoque, pero no nacimos ayer