Overview
Óscar Oswaldo Larriva Alvarado (1946 – 6 January 2020) was an Ecuadorian public figure known for combining roles in politics and higher education. Born in Cuenca, the principal city of Azuay province, he became a recognizable leader in regional and national affairs. Over several decades Larriva moved between party organizations and held elective and appointed offices that tied him closely to the development of Azuay.
Political career and affiliations
Larriva began his public life aligned with the Socialist Party, remaining a member until 2006. In the years that followed he joined the PAIS Alliance, a major political movement in Ecuador in the early 21st century, where he continued to participate in public administration and policy discussions. His shifts in party affiliation reflected broader realignments in Ecuadorian politics during that period (PAIS Alliance).
Public offices and responsibilities
He served multiple terms in representative and executive roles. In the legislature he was a member of the National Assembly during two separate periods, and his parliamentary work placed him in the arena of national lawmaking and oversight (National Assembly). At the provincial level, Larriva was appointed or elected to govern Azuay Province on more than one occasion, including a term from 2007 to 2009 and a brief return to the governorship in 2019, a post linked to local administration and coordination with national authorities (Governor of Azuay).
Academic work and local influence
Described in sources as an academic, Larriva maintained ties to the educational community in his native region. Throughout his career he was seen as a bridge between civic institutions, university circles and public service, contributing to debates on regional development and governance. His combination of scholarly interest and practical politics made him a familiar figure in Cuenca and Azuay.
Death and legacy
Oswaldo Larriva died in Cuenca on 6 January 2020 after a battle with leukemia, at the age of 74. News of his passing noted both his long involvement in provincial affairs and his participation in national politics. His legacy is remembered locally for the offices he held and for his role in the changing political landscape of Ecuador in the late 20th and early 21st centuries (reports of his death).