Crazy man in power

Ecuador's populist new president came to power on a wave of dissatisfaction with the status quo. He has already developed a reputation for eccentricity, not least for economic policies that threaten to alienate the international community. There is also worrying evidence of cronyism and an authoritarian approach to foreign investors. By Norman Peagam

During his first 100 days as president of Ecuador, Abdala Bucaram shaved off his moustache to raise money for charity, staged a concert to perform songs from his forthcoming album, “A Crazy Man In Love”, and hosted a lunch at the presidential palace for Lorena Bobbitt, an Ecuadorean best known for cutting off her American husband’s penis. A tireless self-promoter, the 44-year-old Bucaram also gave his monthly salary to poor people and arranged for the distribution of subsidized milk to the needy, in plastic cartons bearing his picture and the brand-name Abdalact.

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