Verónica Abad Rojas
Verónica Abad Rojas | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 14, 1976 Cuenca, Ecuador |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur coach, politician |
| Years active | 2006–present |
| Known for | 53rd Vice President of Ecuador (2023–2025) |
Verónica Abad Rojas (born 14 November 1976) is an Ecuadorian entrepreneur coach and political figure who served as the 53rd Vice President of Ecuador from 2023 to 2025 under President Daniel Noboa. Prior to assuming the vice presidency, she unsuccessfully sought the mayoralty of Cuenca in 2023 and was involved in global projects promoting entrepreneurship among young people and women.
Abad Rojas secured the vice presidency as Daniel Noboa’s running mate during the second round of the 2023 general election. Following their inauguration in November 2023, a rift developed between them, with Abad openly criticizing Noboa’s leadership. In June 2024, she faced but survived an impeachment process. Subsequently, in November 2024, the labor ministry imposed a 150-day suspension on her. This suspension was overturned by a judge in December 2024, who mandated an apology from the ministry; nevertheless, she encountered another suspension in March 2025.
Early life and education
Born into a musical family in Cuenca, Veronica Abad spent her early years engaged in ballet and mastering piano and violin. She pursued studies in Business Administration but did not finalize her degree. Later on, she completed specialized courses including Entrepreneurship in Santiago de Chile, Political Strategy at Germany’s Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, and Innovation and Technology at the Friends of Zion Institute in Jerusalem.
Political career
Abad began her political involvement during the 2006 Ecuadorian local elections. She established the Network of Women Directors and spearheaded international initiatives aimed at fostering entrepreneurship among youth and women. Between 2020 and 2022, she served at the Secretary Against Child Malnutrition.
In the 2023 Ecuadorian local elections, Abad campaigned for Mayor of Cuenca representing the AMIGO Movement. Later that year, she joined Daniel Noboa as his vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 general election. Running on the National Democratic Action ticket, they advanced to a runoff and achieved an unexpected victory.
Vice presidency
Following their inauguration in November 2023, Noboa and Abad Rojas quickly grew apart; Abad publicly criticized Noboa while his administration responded firmly to her contentious remarks. Their relationship was strained from the beginning—she was notably absent from the inaugural cabinet photograph and was soon appointed ambassador to Israel, then abruptly instructed to relocate to Istanbul within three days—a move she described as “forced exile.” On 4 December 2023, Noboa officially designated her as Ecuador’s peace envoy to Israel, where she arrived on 10 December.
In March 2024, Ecuador’s Justice Ministry detained Abad’s son amid an inquiry into influence peddling connected to the vice presidency. The Noboa government initiated impeachment proceedings against Abad in June 2024; however, the National Assembly failed to secure enough votes for her removal. For the 2025 Ecuadorian general election, Noboa registered for re-election but chose not to retain Abad as his running mate, selecting María José Pinto instead.
On 9 November 2024, Abad faced a temporary suspension after refusing to depart Israel for Turkey. In response, Noboa appointed Secretary of National Planning Sariha Moya as acting vice president. A judicial ruling reversed this suspension in December 2024 and ordered the labor ministry to issue an official apology.
On 30 March 2025, Abad was suspended once more; by decree, Cynthia Gellibert was named acting vice president—a contentious decision that, along with Noboa’s refusal to cede office during an electoral period intended for Abad, sparked allegations of political persecution.
Political positions
Abad stands against abortion, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and fourth-wave feminist movements. She champions religious freedom, personal liberties, private ownership, limited government intervention, and market-driven economies. Abad has expressed support for conservative leaders such as Donald Trump, Jair Bolsonaro, and Spain's far-right party Vox.
Personal life
Abad is a devoted Christian, mother to three children, and grandmother.