Guayaquil’s mayor, Aquiles Alvarez, describes his city’s residents as living in “collective psychosis” due to rampant crime, including bombings and massacres. He criticises President Daniel Noboa’s hardline approach, advocating for public policies over increased militarisation. Alvarez, facing his own legal challenges, suggests the president’s actions might be politically motivated, while remaining open to international military aid if it respects sovereignty.