Populist Inclusion of Ecuadorian Emigrants under Rafael Correa’s Presidency

Abstract

This article studies Rafael Correa’s populist inclusion of Ecuadorian emigrants. It unpacks Correa’s inclusionary populism toward the emigrants at symbolic, political, and material levels. The article utilizes a qualitative content analysis of Correa’s weekly TV show, the Citizen Link (2007–2017). The findings reveal that Correa considered the emigrants as part of “the people,” who were forced to leave the country after the 1999 Banking Crisis. In line with his left-wing populist leadership, Correa viewed them as the victims of neoliberalism and the financial elite. Moreover, Correa politically included the emigrants by extending their voting rights and creating permanent seats in the National Assembly. Finally, Correa materially included the Ecuadorian emigrants by increasing the number of embassies, consulates, and cultural houses as well as facilitating the emigrants’ return. These findings have implications for the relationship between populism and emigration in Latin America and other migrant-sending regions.