Andrés Arauz and Ecuador’s Citizen Revolution Movement

The Editors

Jacobin's documentary, The Ecuadorian Candidate, chronicled the young leftist economist Andrés Arauz as he faced right-wing opposition and embarked on a journey to become the next president of Ecuador. It’s a gripping feature now available for free.

The Ecuadorian Candidate follows young left-wing economist Andrés Arauz as he works to present his vision for the future of Ecuador ahead of the country’s 2021 election.


The year is 2021, and Ecuador is at a crossroads. In the midst of a devastating economic crisis, the country has to choose between two radically different presidential candidates: Andrés Arauz, a young leftist economist, and Guillermo Lasso, a wealthy right-wing banker running for the third time.

With unfettered access to his campaign, The Ecuadorian Candidate follows Arauz as he works to present his vision for the future of Ecuador, which combines ambitious economic development with redistribution and the deepening of democratic institutions. Arauz’s left-wing campaign pledged to tackle poverty, corruption, and inequality, following other recent movements in Latin America to create a more just and equitable society. But it also led to fierce opposition from the political establishment and media. The film showcases Arauz’s relentless effort to win the hearts and minds of the Ecuadorian people, traveling across the country to connect with voters, deliver his message, and rally supporters.

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