Former minister defends herself in impeachment hearing, questions legal basis

Former Energy Minister Inés Manzano asserted her political responsibility hinges on the violation of specific legal duties during an impeachment hearing. Speaking remotely before the National Assembly's Oversight Commission, Manzano argued that a minister's accountability must be tied to functions explicitly outlined by law.

Manzano, who served under President Daniel Noboa, stated she was called to confront a severe energy crisis marked by a significant deficit, historical drought, and a lack of expansion plans. "They didn't call me to create a crisis, they called me to face the worst inherited energy crisis in decades," she declared.

She addressed a memorandum issued in April 2024 during an electricity sector emergency, explaining it was exceptional and limited to public procurement processes within that emergency. Manzano confirmed the memorandum expired after emergency contracts concluded and was rescinded by a circular in August 2025.

Furthermore, Manzano contended that responsibilities related to the Ecuadorian Electric Corporation (Celec) belonged to its general manager, not the ministry. "A minister does not assume responsibility for a competence they do not have," she stated, adding that the Celec general manager held that authority. Regarding arbitration mentioned in the impeachment request, she explained Celec took actions like collecting fines, leading the contractor to initiate arbitration to prevent these measures, with a contract clause barring unilateral termination during the process.