World Questions: Ecuador
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Ecuador was once a relatively peaceful country, perhaps best known for its rich biodiverse landscapes, Amazonian rainforests and the world-famous Galapagos Islands. But the murder rate has quadrupled between 2018 and 2022 \\u2013 an increase caused largely by the drug trade and the violence it brings. Now the country is in the grip of an unprecedented crimewave which has seen a rise in not just murders, but also kidnappings, extortion and widespread corruption.\\nLast month, Ecuador elected a new President, the billionaire businessman Daniel Noboa who at just 35, will be the country\\u2019s youngest ever leader. Can this politically inexperienced newcomer tackle the powerful drug cartels? With just 18 months until the next election and no majority in the National Assembly - what are his chances?\\nJonny Dymond presents a panel of Ecuadorean politicians and campaigners as they debate the big issues and questions from the public across the country.
The panel:\\nAndrea Gonzalez Nader: Environmental activist, entrepreneur, and politician\\nGuillaume Long: Former Ecuadorean Minister of Foreign Affairs under President Rafael Correa\\nLeo Cerda: Climate activist and indigenous rights defender\\nMaria Sol Borja: Political journalist
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