Ecuador President Noboa criticised for silence on Progen procurement scandal

Recent investigative reporting has revealed that the Ecuadorian government purchased allegedly non‑existent Caterpillar engines through the Progen deal, a claim confirmed by a U.S. court case. Audio evidence showed Assembly member Diana Jácome coordinating with former Energy Minister Inés Manzano to evade parliamentary scrutiny, while the prosecutor appointed by Noboa, Carlos Alarcón, was allegedly installed despite legal obstacles. Despite these revelations and the inclusion of a suspected participant, Roberto Luque, as a super‑minister in a recent cabinet reshuffle, President Daniel Noboa has not addressed the issue, offering only brief comments in past statements. Critics argue that his silence undermines public confidence and hampers the investigation into alleged collusion among officials, businesspeople and legislators involved in the alleged fraud.

The controversy has intensified political tensions in Ecuador, with opposition figures demanding a transparent inquiry and accountability for the alleged procurement fraud that could implicate high‑level officials.