Three weeks before his scheduled swearing-in, Colombia’s Vice President-elect Jose Manuel Restrepo announced plans to revitalize the country’s economy by promoting free markets and strengthening ties with the United States.

Restrepo will serve in a center-right government led by President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella, who narrowly defeated the left-wing candidate endorsed by outgoing President Gustavo Petro. Speaking at the Atlantic Council think tank, where he was formerly a non-resident fellow, Restrepo emphasized that economic success will stem from democratic reforms.

“We are convinced that we can get prosperity in Colombia, because we said we are going to attain freedom for our people and security for them,” Restrepo said. “We are working for the most vulnerable people in Colombia—those who are suffering from health issues, suffering in education, suffering because of extortion and terrorism, and suffering because of the lack of employment.”

He highlighted the urgency of repairing Colombia’s fractured relationship with the United States, noting, “We have the worst numbers in more than four decades in Colombia in terms of the relationship between investment and GDP.”

Security remains a critical concern, with kidnappings having doubled since 2022 during Petro’s administration. Restrepo described the situation as “a real pandemic of insecurity and criminality.” Omar Bula Escobar, Colombia’s incoming foreign minister, added that the new government must confront rampant crime perpetrated by armed groups involved in illegal activities such as drug trafficking and illegal mining.

Colombia’s recent election reflects a broader rightward shift in Latin America, joining countries like Chile and Bolivia under conservative leadership.

Sources