BTN News: Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay from the opposition party, Centro Democrático, has criticized President Gustavo Petro. He says Petro talks about a “nonexistent country” and points to problems like insecurity, corruption scandals, and the killing of social leaders. Uribe Turbay spoke during his speech in response to President Petro’s address at the start of the new session of Congress on Colombian Independence Day. He shared his frustration with the president’s view of the country, saying it is very different from what Colombians experience every day.
“President, you talk about dreams and fantasies. I think this is because you spend more time dreaming than awake,” Uribe Turbay said. He noted that in the two years since Petro took office, 334 leaders have been killed and there have been more than 170 massacres. He also criticized the government’s lack of concern for the violence in the Cauca region, where police officers are being killed.
Uribe Turbay also criticized the new pension reform. He said it does not fix the current system’s problems, puts pension savings at risk, and harms the future pensions of young Colombians. He warned against a possible constituent assembly, saying it would only help the government and traditional politicians. He promised to stop any illegal or quick changes to the constitution.
In a recent proposal to the United Nations Security Council, President Petro asked for seven more years to carry out the Peace Accords. These focus on agrarian reform, including territorial areas, and combining the judicial system for truth and reconciliation. He admitted that he needs a national agreement with the half of the population who oppose the peace agreements. He also called for a ‘fast track’ legislative process to quickly make urgent changes.
Negative Feedback on Petro’s Administration from Opposition Members
Daniel Carvalho, a member of the Green Oxygen party, also criticized President Petro. He said he does not believe Petro is corrupt but thinks Petro’s wish to gain power made him work with unethical people. Carvalho accused Petro of attacking the press and disrespecting Congress. He also said many of Petro’s officials and allies are involved in serious corruption cases.
“This country, which believed in you, now sees you attacking the press and disrespecting Congress. Many of your associates are involved in corruption,” Carvalho said. He added that the old congressman Gustavo Petro would not have allowed such behavior. He claimed Petro’s actions are helping the right-wing forces he once opposed to regain power.
Carvalho also said Petro’s administration is poorly managed. He remembered Petro’s admission that he felt bored in the Casa de Nariño. Carvalho said this shows in his neglectful approach to state duties and inability to keep a steady agenda.
During his speech at the new session of Congress, President Petro again called for a “national agreement.” He also apologized for the corruption scandal involving the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD). This scandal involves lawmakers, ministers, and other high-ranking officials in his government.
In conclusion, the opposition’s critiques highlight significant concerns about security, governance, and corruption under President Petro’s administration. These issues show the problems Colombia faces as it deals with political, social, and economic difficulties, with a divided population and ongoing debates about the country’s future.
