The second episode of the Presidential Dialogues series features Guillermo Lasso, former president of Ecuador. The interview – an initiative of Canal Um Brasil, in partnership with RenovaBR, Insper, Fecomércio, and curated by the OAS (Organization of American States) – proposes conversations with former heads of state from Latin America about the personal challenges, dilemmas, and lessons learned from governing. During the interview, Lasso discussed his achievements, reflected on the crisis of political leadership in the Latin American region, and spoke about the decision to implement the so-called "cross-death" in the Ecuadorian parliament.

President of Ecuador between 2021 and 2023, Lasso built his career in the private sector before entering public life, driven by a desire to serve the country. According to him, the political and social landscape he encountered, marked by structural challenges and, in his view, the need to defend liberal democracy, served as impetus for his actions. 

Throughout the interview, conducted by journalist Jaime Spitzcovsky, the former president revisits decisions and changes that marked his experience in office. He emphasizes that the period transformed his way of seeing politics and the role of the State. 

“When I entered the government, I was a pure liberal. And when I left, I began to define myself as a liberal and humanist democrat,” he states. According to him, experiencing firsthand the reality of a profoundly unequal country demanded a more focused stance and broadened his understanding of the role of public policies. 

During his term, Lasso implemented initiatives focused on social welfare. These included accelerating vaccination during the Covid-19 pandemic, actions to combat chronic childhood malnutrition, the creation of the Ministry of Women and Human Rights, as well as projects in microfinance, the environment, and public safety. 

“I went in tolerant, but I left three times more tolerant,” he points out. For him, governing requires listening, adaptation, and the ability to respond to the real needs of the population. “Many say that liberal democracy in the world is in crisis. And I say no. What is in crisis are the politicians. People are tired,” he states. For him, the future of politics lies in leadership more connected to the concrete demands of society and committed to integrity and results.

The episodes of the series are available on Channel UM Brazil, on YouTube, and on the UM BRASIL platform.