Ecuador assembly begins impeachment hearing against President Lasso

FILE PHOTO: Ecuadorean President Guillermo Lasso speaks during a press conference with Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves (not pictured) in San José, Costa Rica. March 1, 2023. REUTERS/Mayela Lopez

QUITO (Reuters) -Ecuador's National Assembly on Tuesday began an impeachment hearing against President Guillermo Lasso, who could be removed from his post, though the process increases the likelihood he will dissolve the legislature to avoid a final vote.

Ninety-two votes from the 137-member assembly are needed to remove Lasso, who opposition politicians say disregarded warnings of embezzlement related to a contract at state-owned oil transportation company Flopec.