The Ecuador’s Constitution of 2008: Is it a progress towards socialism?

Abstract

This paperexamines some of the statementsof Ecuador’s Constitution of 2008, driven by Alianza País,movement led by President Rafael Correa. This codeis an expression of the process called "citizenrevolution". The new institutional framework aims ata regulated economy, social redistribution, participatory democracy, regional integration and the construction of "socialism of the 21stcentury". Consequently, new regulations were opened on the relations between State and society that are embodied in principles, among which stands out the regime of "well-being". The analysis is structured around four principles that operate as acriteria of demarcation between capitalism and socialism. These principles concern the ownership of the means of production, market and State relationship, the extent of the distribution of wealth and sense of freedom. The contrast between the legal requirementsand currentpractice based on a dollarized economy with a strong presence ofthe World Bank reveals contradictions that open space to the question about whether this economic model can meet the needs of the subordinate classes ... Will its formula bring to build "socialism of the 21stcentury"? Orwill it be a capitalist restructuring strategy?