Colombia has for the first time elected a leftist as president. But it won't be easy for Gustavo Petro to deliver on promises. His slim victory shows that a large part of the country rejects his ambitious proposals.
Petro has proposed pension, tax, health and agricultural reforms and changes to how Colombia fights drug cartels and other armed groups. He wants the tax reform to finance social programs, including free higher education and subsidies for mothers who are heads of households.
In a nod to the resistance, Petro during his victory speech addressed the other half of Colombia that did not vote for him and proposed a “great national dialogue” that includes his staunchest opponents to achieve consensus. President Ivan Duque, a conservative who defeated Petro in 2018 but was not eligible for reelection, promised a “harmonious, institutional and transparent transition” before Petro takes office Aug. 7.Claudia Lozada, a Petro supporter, offered her hopes for the new leader during a celebratory rally Sunday night.
In his first message as president-elect, Petro sought to allay fears about his administration by assuring Colombians that “we are going to develop capitalism in Colombia, not because we adore it, but because we first have to overcome pre-modernity in Colombia, feudalism in Colombia, the new slavery.”
Sergio Guzmán, founder of the firm Colombia Risk Analysis, said Petro must show an openness to sharing Cabinet positions with other parties.
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