The arrest of the former leftist presidential candidate sparks a battle between Noboa and Petro, who accuse each other of being dictators and narcos

The arrest of Luisa González, a political rival of President Daniel Noboa, has sparked significant political turmoil in Ecuador. González, a close ally of former President Rafael Correa, was detained on charges of money laundering during a joint operation by the Attorney General's Office and the National Police. This investigation is linked to alleged illicit contributions to the 2023 presidential campaign of the Citizen Revolution, including funds from Venezuelan chavismo. Former Colombian President Gustavo Petro criticized Noboa, claiming Ecuador is experiencing a dictatorship stemming from electoral fraud. Noboa responded by accusing Petro of being involved in drug trafficking and money laundering. González remains in custody, asserting her innocence on social media.