QUITO – Ecuador’s President Guillermo Lasso has asserted his innocence over corruption charges at an impeachment trial being held in the National Assembly.
Lasso, 67, has been accused of embezzling funds from public companies.
The conservative leader told the opposition-controlled parliament his accusers lacked evidence and suggested the trial was politically motivated.
It is the second time it has tried to remove the president from office since he was sworn in in May 2021.
Impeachment proceedings last year failed to garner enough votes to make it to the trial stage.
But last week, 88 out of 116 lawmakers present voted in favour of the trial going ahead, enough for it to take place.
The trial represents the final stage of the impeachment proceedings and will culminate in a vote by lawmakers on whether Lasso should stay in office or be ousted. (BBC)
