Rafael Correa: Lenin Moreno is a 'Wolf in Sheep's Clothing' who was 'With the Opposition

Former President of Ecuador, Rafael Correa, denounced his Alianza Pais successor Lenin Moreno as a “wolf in sheep's clothing,” and expressed support for the current Vice President who is accused of alleged corruption.

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In an interview with CNN Español following President Moreno's decision to place Vice President Jorge Glas in pre-trial detention to face corruption accusations, Correa called the charges against Glas “a vulgar political persecution” that is the same thing “they used in Brazil against Dilma," referring to the ousting of Brazil's elected president, Dilma Rousseff on the basis of corruption charges in a move many called an "institutional coup."

He defended the Vice President, saying that the accusations are without evidence. “Glas is a person that does not steal or allow theft, but for this one makes enemies,” he said.

As for President Moreno, Correa said that the current President had deceived him for ten years as a close political ally, who served in his government only to turn on him as a “wolf in sheep's clothing” once assuming power himself.

The founding leader of Ecuador's Citizen's Revolution argues that Moreno and his allies “were never with us, but were with the opposition.”

“Moreno cheated me for ten years. He is a person that was with the opposition,” Correa said.

Moreno had previously served as Correa's Vice President from 2007 to 2013.

Underscoring the abrupt shift that Moreno took after assuming office, Correa said "I went from being the 'eternal president' to the 'corrupt,'” referring to Lenin's praising words at the inauguration dubbing Correa Ecuador's “eternal president.”

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Correa also criticized Moreno's upcoming consultation, which he said had the ultimate aim of preventing Correa from returning to power by eliminating indefinite presidential reelections through constitutional changes.

With Glas relieved of his duties, it was announced on Wednesday that former Housing Minister Maria Alejandra Vicuna would be taking on the role as acting Vice President.

The prosecuted Vice President, Jorge Glas, is a close supporter of Correa, and has said that the charges against him are simply a “retaliation” for criticizing the direction Moreno was taking the country.

Moreno has promoted a policy of “dialogue” with the country's right-wing opposition,” and announced on Wednesday that the International Monetary Fund would be visiting the country to asses the economic situation. The decision marks a departure from Correa's policies, which largely rejected the influence of international organizations in Ecuador's economy in favor of independence.

“A wide range of measures” need to be taken, Moreno said about the upcoming IMF visit.