El arresto en la embajada de México de Jorge Glas provocó una crisis en Latinoamérica | A fondo DW

Recent questions

• Why was the arrest of Jorge Glas significant?

  The arrest of former Ecuadorian vice president Jorge Glas at the Mexican embassy caused a diplomatic crisis in Latin America. The incident was highly controversial as it violated international law by arresting Glas within the embassy, considered a sacred space under diplomatic norms. This event sparked a debate on whether asylum can be granted to criminals, raising questions about Glas's criminal status and the violation of diplomatic immunity. The arrest was viewed as unjustified and unprecedented in Ecuador, leading to concerns about the country's political stability and international repercussions.

• What led to the diplomatic crisis between Mexico and Ecuador?

  The diplomatic crisis between Mexico and Ecuador stemmed from the arrest of former vice president Jorge Glas at the Mexican embassy. The Organization of American States strongly condemned the Noboa government's actions in assaulting the embassy to arrest Glas, violating diplomatic norms and international law. This breach of the Vienna Convention on diplomatic immunity led to international condemnation and Mexico lodging a complaint with the International Court of Justice against Ecuador. The crisis highlighted broader issues in Latin America, including failures of the neoliberal economic system and the emergence of transnational drug trafficking networks.

• How did the consultation in Ecuador contribute to the crisis?

  The crisis between Mexico and Ecuador was linked to a popular consultation in Ecuador, addressing issues of transnational organized crime and internal security. The consultation delved into political programs emphasizing securitization and image sales for safety, masking underlying issues like work precariousness. Hourly work questions were raised to reduce work dignity, alongside calls for swift resolution of judicial issues for international companies in Ecuador's extractivism sector. The consultation also drew parallels between the embassy assault and a media coup for popularity, reflecting broader political narratives and ideological conflicts in Latin America.

• What impact did the crisis have on Ecuador's political stability?

  The arrest of Jorge Glas and the subsequent diplomatic crisis between Mexico and Ecuador raised concerns about the country's political stability. The violation of diplomatic norms and international law by assaulting the Mexican embassy to arrest Glas was viewed as unjustified and unprecedented in Ecuador. The crisis highlighted failures of the neoliberal economic system, the emergence of transnational drug trafficking networks, and the militarization of media and rural areas in Ecuador. The government's controversial actions, including violating the embassy and facing international condemnation, led to questions about impunity and the perception of President Noboa within Ecuador.

• How did the crisis affect Mexico's internal dynamics?

  The crisis between Mexico and Ecuador under López Obrador's government showcased a lenient approach to asylum seekers, including those with contracts. Mexico's internal dynamics were influenced by the diplomatic breakdown with Ecuador, leading to a complaint lodged with the International Court of Justice. The crisis intertwined political narratives, with former president Correa's alignment with Mexico and López Obrador's leftist support shaping the situation. The broader ideological war between left and right in Latin America was reflected in the crisis, with both right-wing and left-wing governments supporting Mexico in a unified stance.