[News Figures] Ecuador's 'Youngest' President from Banana Tycoon Family, Daniel Noboa

MZ Politician Elected in By-Election on the 15th
Successful Presidential Bid Just 2 Years After Entering Politics
Many Challenges Including Strengthening Security and Solving Economic Crisis
Only 17-Month Term Makes Resolving Issues Difficult

The youngest president in Ecuador's history, 35-year-old Daniel Noboa, has been elected. Noboa, a centrist-right politician from a wealthy family that amassed fortune through Ecuador's flagship export, bananas, faces challenges as drug cartels have been expanding their influence recently. With just over a year left in the term, experts predict it will be difficult for Noboa to achieve significant progress in strengthening security and boosting economic growth.

On the 15th (local time), Daniel Noboa (left in the photo), a center-right politician elected as Ecuador's youngest president, and his wife Angela Balboni [Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

52.3% of Votes... Term Lasts Just Over 17 Months

According to CNN and other outlets on the 15th (local time), Daniel Noboa, affiliated with the National Democratic Action (ADN), won the Ecuadorian presidential runoff election held that day with 52.3% of the vote, defeating Luisa Gonz?lez (45), the Citizen Revolution Movement (RC) candidate, who received 47.7%.

Born in November 1987, Noboa is Ecuador's youngest president. The previous record was held by former President Jaime Rold?s Aguilera, who took office at age 38 in 1979.

Once officially inaugurated, Noboa is expected to become one of the youngest leaders globally. In April, the U.S.-based research organization Pew Research Center named Gabriel Boric (37), president of Chile, as the world's youngest leader at that time. Noboa is younger than President Boric (born February 1986).

This Ecuadorian presidential election was held as a special election for the first time in history due to the early resignation of incumbent President Guillermo Lasso, who faced impeachment. Accordingly, Noboa's term will last from December this year until May 2025, just over 17 months. Noboa is also eligible to run in the 2025 presidential election, and his actions during this term are expected to influence future elections in Ecuador.

On his social media, Noboa wrote, "Today, we made history," adding, "Ecuadorian families have chosen a new Ecuador, and they have chosen security and employment for this country." He also stated, "We will immediately begin the work to rebuild a country severely damaged by violence, corruption, and hatred."

A Pro-Business Economist Politician Fulfilling His 'Father's Dream'

Noboa is a pro-business economist politician from a wealthy family that built its fortune through Ecuador's main export, bananas. Born in Miami, USA, he started his first company at age 18 with his father's support, practicing management skills from a young age. He studied at Harvard University and New York University in the U.S. and later joined the family business to gain hands-on management experience.

[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

His formal political career began at age 33 when he was elected as a member of the National Assembly representing the Santa Elena district in the 2021 general election. Just two years later, he secured the presidency. His political stance is generally classified as centrist or center-right. Foreign media reported that he has also shown liberal tendencies on some issues, such as advocating for the abolition of discrimination and supporting LGBTQ rights.

Noboa's father, ?lvaro Noboa (72), is also a well-known politician and businessman. It is reported that the group led by ?lvaro Noboa owns more than 120 corporations worldwide.

However, ?lvaro Noboa is more famous for having run unsuccessfully for the presidency five times. Notably, in the 2006 runoff, he was defeated by former President Rafael Correa (60). This year, Noboa faced Luisa Gonz?lez, a close ally of Correa, in the runoff, leading to assessments that "the son has fulfilled the father's dream on his behalf."

Ecuador's Top Priority: 'Strengthening Security'

Noboa immediately faces the challenges of Ecuador's security issues and economic crisis.

Recently, Ecuador has become a transit point for drug traffickers smuggling cocaine and other narcotics from Peru and Colombia to the U.S. and Europe. As a result, in recent years, violent crimes such as kidnappings and murders have occurred in the heart of cities, and prison riots have taken place, with guards and police held hostage, causing severe social instability.

In August, just before the first round of voting, former National Assembly member and presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio was shot and killed during a campaign event. Earlier this month, seven suspects involved in the Villavicencio shooting died while in custody.

Because of this, Noboa has made eradicating violence his "top priority" pledge during various campaigns. He announced plans to reorganize security agencies and establish a separate intelligence department to address the national security crisis. He also proposed the idea of a "floating prison" on the sea to resolve frequent violent incidents inside prisons.

Alongside this, Noboa declared his intention to resolve the economic difficulties that have persisted since the pandemic. Ecuador's poverty rate approaches 30%. Noboa, known for his pro-business stance, is expected to pursue market liberalization policies. One of his main pledges is to revitalize domestic industries by attracting foreign companies.