Ecuador’s youngest elected president faces a practically impossible task
Ecuador’s youngest elected president faces a practically impossible task QUITO, Ecuador -- QUITO, Ecuador (AP) — Ecuador 's youngest elected president on Monday faced the practically impossible task of reducing a terrifying, drug-driven crime wave within a greatly shortened 1 1/2 years in office. Daniel Noboa, 35, is an heir to one of Ecuador's largest fortunes thanks to a global empire built on bananas — the country’s main crop. His voters were, among other things, frightened by the escalation of drug violence over the past three years. Killings, kidnappings, robberies and other criminal activities have become part of everyday life, leaving Ecuadorians wondering when, not if, they will be victims. The spike in violence is tied to the trafficking of cocaine produced in neighboring Colombia and Peru. Mexican, Colombian and Balkan cartels have set down roots in Ecuador and operate with assistance from local criminal gangs. Presidential candidate and anti-corruption crusader Fern...