The Growing Threat to Colombian Democracy Amidst the Cocaine Boom
Paloma Valencia, a member of the conservative Democratic Centre Party, is running for the presidency in 2026. Her platform focuses on continuing Colombia’s energy independence. The country is a leading fossil fuel exporter and is actively combating organized crime while upholding traditional values.
Valencia’s presidential bid comes at a risky time, considering the current leftist president, Gustavo Petro, who identifies as a Marxist and has a history with the M19 guerrilla group. Under his leadership, many conservatives, including Uribe, have faced increasing violence and persecution. Notably, another Democratic Centre candidate, Miguel Uribe Turbay, experienced an assassination attempt during a campaign event in June, leaving him seriously injured and hospitalized.
“They targeted one of us,” Valencia said in an interview. “What’s troubling is that this isn’t just an isolated incident; it appears to be a calculated effort to undermine political participation among President Uribe’s supporters.”
This situation unfolds as Alvaro Uribe faces civil servant proceedings and bribery charges—a long-standing legal battle that both Valencia and senior U.S. officials have labeled as fabricated.
“This stemmed from one of Petro’s closest lawmakers, who has ties to the revolutionary background,” Valencia remarked. “He sought testimonies against Uribe in exchange for certain judicial advantages, which is now evident.”
Uribe has publicly accused Senator Ivan Cepeda of attempting to corrupt individuals to testify against him. This conflict, which began in 2012, led to a court investigation—not just of Uribe’s complaints but against him as well.
“What did Uribe do?” Valencia added. “Like anyone would, he sought legal counsel to investigate the prison claims.” The Democratic Centre Party plans to appeal Uribe’s conviction, but the court decision on his potential incarceration during this process will be made soon.
Serving as president from 2002 to 2010, Uribe gained prominence for effectively improving U.S.-Colombia relations and adopting counterterrorism strategies against guerrilla groups. His efforts significantly reduced the impact of violence in daily life. Due to his successes, Uribe remains a significant figure in Colombian politics. His recent interactions with the media showed his continued influence, even amidst challenges from the current administration.
Concerns have also surfaced regarding Petro’s administration, particularly with allegations of drug-related issues. Valencia emphasized the interplay of various elements leading to this troubling shift in Colombian politics. The combination of pandemic-induced frustrations and foreign influence on recent social unrest is particularly alarming.
“The pandemic has altered public sentiment, and the involvement of external powers in these social movements cannot be ignored,” Valencia observed. “Moreover, it’s reflective of a broader global democratic crisis where citizens unknowingly voted for change without fully understanding Petro’s agenda.”
Valencia noted a series of left-wing protests that began in 2019 continued through the pandemic, suggesting underlying orchestrations possibly involving foreign agents. Investigations indicated potential Russian involvement in some unrest, highlighting a concerning trend in external interference.
She attributed much of the tumult to Petro’s leadership style, which combines populism with a form of socialism, all while the cocaine production boom worsens Colombia’s security issues. “Colombia now produces 70% of the world’s cocaine, and this significantly empowers armed groups, contributing to rampant violence fueled by drug trafficking,” she stated.
Under Petro’s administration, the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime has reported historic peaks in cocaine production. For instance, the potential production rate rose by 53% in 2023 compared to the previous year.
When discussing solutions for Colombia during these tumultuous times, Valencia proposed significant steps. First, she suggested that removing Nicolás Maduro, the socialist leader of Venezuela, is essential. “We can’t allow a Cuba-like dictatorship to take root; it endangers democratic growth across Latin America,” she insisted.
Valencia further stressed that allowing illicit drug production only strengthens cartels and hampers the potential for democracy. “With armed groups present in over 45% of our municipalities, what does the future look like for free elections when citizens live under the threat of violence?” she pondered.
