Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa was officially sworn in for a new four-year term on Saturday, alongside Vice President María José Pinto. At 37, Noboa begins his full term after securing reelection in April 2025, following a surprise rise to power in 2023. His presidency is set to run through May 2029.

Known for his hardline stance on crime, Noboa pledged in his inauguration speech to continue battling corruption, drug trafficking, and gang violence. He also emphasized economic reforms, promising to create jobs and attract investment by working with the private sector. “We are at the doorstep of four years of progress,” Noboa declared.

The inauguration ceremony in Quito drew international dignitaries, including U.S. Health Secretary Robert Kennedy and the presidents of Colombia and Peru. However, it was boycotted by the left-wing Citizen Revolution party, led by former president Rafael Correa. Noboa’s former rival, Luisa González, continues to allege electoral fraud, though her claims were dismissed by Ecuador’s electoral authority and independent observers.

Noboa’s National Democratic Action (ADN) party holds a congressional majority through strategic alliances, crucial for advancing his legislative agenda. However, experts like political analyst Juan Francisco Camino warn that this majority is fragile and could easily unravel.

Security remains a central concern, with Ecuador reporting approximately 8,000 violent deaths in 2024. While Noboa’s tough-on-crime approach garners public support, critics urge him to also address deeper social and economic issues, including widespread unemployment and poor access to healthcare and education. Only a third of Ecuadorians held full-time jobs as of late 2024, with most working in the informal sector.

As Noboa begins his full term, his administration faces mounting pressure to deliver both safety and sustainable development for a country grappling with persistent violence and economic instability.