Ecuador

A $470 monthly contribution to migrants returning voluntarily or being deported, alongside training programs and scholarships, have been announced by President Daniel Noboa just days before elections and amid US plans for mass deportations

President Noboa has named for a second time a temporary vice president amid ongoing tensions with elected VP Verónica Abad, who disputes her suspension and argues that Noboa’s actions are unconstitutional and aimed at blocking her succession

Diplomatic and consular services for Ecuador in Venezuela will be taken over by Switzerland, as the bilateral relations between the two South American nations have been broken

Electricity rationing, caused by severe drought and lasting since September, will end on December 20 due to improved hydroelectric output, energy imports from Colombia, and recent rains, announced President Daniel Noboa

Iconic Salcedo ice cream is facing collapse as daily power outages up to 14 hours are shutting down factories, forcing businesses like Polar Bear to slash production, lay off staff, and rely on family labor, threatening a cultural and economic staple

Protests against President Daniel Noboa's economic policies are continuing, demanding respect for workers' rights and real solutions to the nation's energy crisis, as the daily energy cuts still persist

Thousands of protesters in Quito demanded the resignation of President Daniel Noboa, citing frustration over the ongoing energy and economic crisis, with unions and social movements criticizing the government's "inability" to address key issues

Amid a severe energy crisis with daily 14-hour blackouts, Ecuador’s government extended next week’s holiday to create a five-day break aimed at boosting tourism, despite recent power rationing due to drought affecting the main hydroelectric source

A partial state of emergency was declared in Quito due to rising violence from drug trafficking groups, with the measure lasting 60 days and including a curfew, as the government combats organized crime linked to international cartels

Both day and night power outages are occurring amid the worst drought in 60 years, with the Ministry of Energy announcing that scheduled nighttime blackouts have extended into daylight hours due to severe weather conditions