Eleven presidential candidates debated using decentralization to boost regional economic development and combat illegal mining and narcotrafficking [1, 2].

The discussion highlights a strategic shift toward granting local governments more autonomy to address the country's uneven development and the persistence of criminal economies [3].

The candidates focused on a model that strengthens regions through targeted policies and increased fiscal autonomy [3]. A central proposal involves raising the share of national revenues allocated to regions from 28% to 39.5% over a 12-year horizon [1].

Participants included Armando Massé, Jorge Nieto, José Williams, Antonio Ortiz, César Acuña, Wolfgang Grozo, Rosario Fernández, Ricardo Belmont, Rafael Belaúnde, and Alfonso López-Chau [2]. Experts Carlos Caicedo, Miguel Uribe Londoño, Sondra Macollins, and Santiago Botero also provided analysis during the proceedings [2].

Rafaela Cortés, president of the National Federation of Departments, said that regions cannot remain on the sidelines of national decision-making [3]. The debate, broadcast by Caracol Televisión, took place between March and April 2026 as the country prepares for elections [2].

The candidates said that decentralization is a primary strategy to replace illegal economies with sustainable development. By increasing the budget available to local authorities, the candidates said that regions can better manage security and infrastructure projects, reducing the reliance on the central government in Bogotá [1, 3].

This approach aims to integrate marginalized areas into the formal economy while providing the financial tools necessary to dismantle the influence of illegal mining and drug trafficking networks [3].

“Eleven presidential candidates participated in the debate.”

The proposal to shift nearly 12% of national revenue to regional governments represents a significant fiscal restructuring. If implemented, this move would transition Colombia from a highly centralized state to a more federalized system, potentially empowering local leaders to tackle narcotrafficking with tailored regional solutions but also increasing the risk of local fiscal mismanagement.