Alvaro Noboa

Interview with Expreso Daily newspaper Alvaro Noboa P. National Assemblyman for the PRIAN

"WE WILL FIGHT TO THE END"

Why are you showing up today (yesterday) at the Assembly, after having been absent for 3 days?
I announced the fact that they were going to take a series of un-Constitutional measures on Thursday and Friday. I wished not to be a part of the Assembly at that moment so that later I would avoid receiving the blame for other peoples' actions as often nobody sees who raises or does not raise their hand. As I saw that they had changed the issue and were now addressing regulations governing the assembly, I have come, together with my wife who stands in solidarity with me in my political postures.

Given Xavier Ledesma's departure, have you come to reinforce the PRIAN and the opposing minority?
I was always going to come, with or without his departure.

And from here on will you come every day?
I will come from here on, but not as a schoolboy being warned of expulsion if he misses 4 days. I am against that.

Why?
Because one of the greatest pressures on the political parties are the alternates. Remember the covers? (A term given to the alternates who were empowered after 57 congressmen belonging to PRIAN, PSP, PSC, and UDC were removed from office.) Alternates hate the principal members because they don't give them the opportunity to participate in political life. We should, therefore, give the Assembly a chance.

Before entering the Assembly you said you would break-up the gang, how will you bring this about?
This Assembly is being handled like a political gang, gangs who criticized the PAIS in previous congressional sessions and who now are lightning quick in raising all 80 hands at once.

Will you strike alliances with PSP and PSC?
No, besides there is additional opposition. I expect parties left of center will see that they are headed towards failure and that they will also abandon the dictatorial posture displayed by the Assembly, whether they are Pachakutik, MPD or RED.

What is the PRIAN'S intention in remaining at the assembly?
The intention is to fight for the people so that the Assembly can function in a democratic way.

And if exclusion persists?
We will continue to fight with all of our forces and until it is wise to do so.