Quito, Ecuador — On Monday, an Ecuadorian judge made the decision to reinstate Vice President Verónica Abad, lifting a five-month suspension that the Ministry of Labor had enforced on her under accusations of neglecting her official responsibilities.

The ruling came after Judge Nubia Vera reviewed Abad’s appeal and determined that the suspension was unconstitutional. This development adds another layer to the ongoing tensions between Vice President Abad and President Daniel Noboa, a conflict that initially surfaced during their pre-election period leading up to their official duties in November 2023.

Abad’s position plays a crucial role in Noboa’s strategy for reelection. Noboa is expected to request a leave of absence next month to focus on campaigning for the elections scheduled for February. Should he step away, Abad would assume his responsibilities as vice president in his absence.

The roots of the disagreement remain unclear. Shortly after taking office, President Noboa assigned Abad to serve as Ecuador’s ambassador in Israel, which many interpret as an attempt to distance her from immediate involvement in his administration. Abad has referred to her extended assignment as a form of “forced exile.”

In August, Abad filed a complaint alleging gender-based violence against Noboa and several other officials. Following this action, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused her of failing to comply with an order to relocate to Turkey temporarily in September.

Abad defended her delayed response to the order, stating that she was not adequately prepared for the move and highlighted the emotional strain of leaving her children behind in Israel. Consequently, she faced a suspension without pay from the Labor Ministry in early November.

Throughout this ordeal, Noboa has characterized Abad as disloyal. Conversely, Abad has asserted that her diplomatic posting in Israel, along with other decisions made by Noboa and his supporters, were aimed at coercing her resignation from office.