Rafael Correa

Rafael Vicente Correa Delgado (born April 6, 1963) is an Ecuadorian economist, academic, and politician who served as the seventh President of Ecuador from 2007 to 2017. Prior to his presidency, Correa held the position of Minister of Economy and Finance under President Alfredo Palacio, where he began implementing economic reforms. Elected to the presidency in 2006, Correa championed a political agenda rooted in leftist ideology and socialist principles, often positioning himself within the broader Latin American pink tide of the 2000s. During his decade in office, Correa oversaw significant changes to Ecuador's political structure, including the drafting of a new constitution in 2008 that established a presidential system with substantial executive power. His administration focused on infrastructure development, expansion of social programs, and increased resource nationalism, particularly regarding oil reserves. Correa's presidency was marked by both achievements in reducing poverty and critical disputes regarding freedom of the press and democratic norms. His tenure witnessed the granting of asylum to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange at the Ecuadorian embassy in London, a controversial decision that brought international attention. After leaving office, Correa faced legal challenges in Ecuador and went into exile. His political legacy remains contested, viewed by supporters as progressive reform and by critics as authoritarian governance.