Colombian presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella has proposed reducing the size of the state by up to 40% [1].
The plan represents a significant shift toward fiscal austerity and deregulation in Colombia. By shrinking the bureaucracy, the candidate aims to redirect public funds toward priority areas and eliminate systemic inefficiencies in government spending.
De la Espriella detailed these goals during an appearance on the "Candidatos al Tablero Económico" program by Noticias Caracol [1]. He said the reduction would be implemented over a period of four years [2]. The primary objective of this contraction is to improve the efficiency of public expenditure and reduce the overall weight of the state on the national economy [1].
Regarding the financial impact of these cuts, de la Espriella said the resulting savings would be "billonario" [1]. While the candidate has not specified the exact amount of pesos to be saved, he said the scale of the reduction would lead to savings in the billions [1].
De la Espriella said "it is imprescindible to cut the State" [1]. This proposal is part of a broader campaign platform that includes 13 initial proposals aimed at restructuring the country's administrative, and economic framework [2].
Beyond the central government, de la Espriella has signaled a desire to change the relationship between the capital and the provinces. He said that regions would not be hostages of the government—a stance he paired with promises for infrastructure projects and the construction of mega-prisons [3].
“"The savings would be 'billonario'"”
The proposal signals a move toward a 'small state' neoliberal model, which seeks to lower public spending to stimulate private investment. If implemented, a 40% reduction in state size would likely involve mass layoffs of public employees and the privatization of government services, potentially sparking significant labor unrest and legislative battles over the social safety net.
