CO
Stories (5)
Colombia: A 2026 Snapshot
Summary: - Leader and policy context: President Gustavo Petro (in office since 2022) faces a rapidly shifting U.S. relationship, heightened political tensions, and a deteriorating security situation as his term enters its final year. - U.S. relations and security: The U.S. decertified Colombia over drug-control concerns amid ongoing violence between armed groups and security forces. Petro and former President Donald Trump had a high-profile exchange in January; an official v
2026-05-24Colombia 2026: Conservatives vs. Cepeda
Summary: The article analyzes Colombia’s tight 2026 presidential race between two conservative candidates, De La Espriella and Valencia, who are attempting to undermine left-leaning Iván Cepeda, who leads polls as part of President Petro’s coalition. Cepeda’s advantage is aided by Petro’s support, while conservative voters are split. The campaign centers on security, crime, and governance in a fragile security environment amid rising coca production and calls for a Constituti
2026-05-24Maduro’s Fall May Shape Colombia’s Election
Colombia’s election season is riding on regional security, the Venezuela crisis, and U.S. policy. Key points: - Venezuela’s turmoil directly shapes Colombia’s politics: potential migration surges or improvements will affect security, social strains, and policy focuses. Colombia hosts about 2.8 million Venezuelans; border dynamics loom large for voters and candidates. - U.S.-Colombia relations are consequential and uncertain: punitive tariffs and U.S. sanctions (including act
2026-05-24Colombia Presidential Candidates on US Ties
Summary: The article highlights how the five leading Colombian presidential candidates—Iván Cepeda, Abelardo De la Espriella, Paloma Valencia, Sergio Fajardo, and Claudia López—each propose different approaches to Colombia’s relationship with the United States amid recent diplomatic tensions with the White House. It is part of EL TIEMPO’s series analyzing candidates’ plans across key policy areas, with expert journalism assessing current conditions and the main challenges for
2026-05-24Gustavo Petro's Impact on Colombian Left
Summary: The article examines the resurgence of Gustavo Petro and the Colombian left amid a regional shift to the right. It notes that Petro shifted public focus to regional and class inequalities without dramatically altering Colombia’s deep divides or transforming living standards, with modest welfare gains and slow reductions in multidimensional poverty and inequality. His expansive public spending has targeted municipalities widely, enabling projects in previously neglect
2026-05-24