Ecuador Faces Severe Energy Crisis, President Noboa Orders National Shutdown

President Daniel Noboa has implemented a temporary three-day workweek and launched an investigation into the energy sector's failures amid severe drought and allegations of corruption.

Ecuador's energy crisis deepens with widespread blackouts, prompting a temporary shutdown of the nation on Thursday and Friday to conserve power.
President Noboa has blamed the crisis on a combination of severe drought conditions and corrupt practices within the energy sector.
Roberto Luque has been appointed as the interim energy minister following the dismissal of Andrea Arrobo, who is accused of concealing the looming crisis.
The crisis has escalated ahead of a national referendum, raising concerns about its potential impact on public support for proposed legal reforms.
Authorities are investigating alleged acts of sabotage and negligence that have exacerbated the energy shortage, affecting essential water reservoirs and hydroelectric plants.