Iván Cepeda, the presidential candidate for the Pacto Histórico coalition, proposed an "acuerdo nacional" during a recent interview with Noticias RCN.
The proposal arrives as Colombia approaches its 2026 presidential election [1]. Cepeda seeks to establish a broad political consensus to ensure the continuity of the political project initiated by President Gustavo Petro, focusing on systemic stability and social reform.
During the broadcast, Cepeda defended the policy of "La paz total," or total peace. This strategy involves ongoing dialogue with armed groups, including the National Liberation Army (ELN), to end internal conflict. He said this approach is essential for the future of the country, arguing that negotiated settlements are the only viable path to lasting stability.
Beyond security and peace negotiations, Cepeda emphasized the necessity of agrarian reform. He positioned land redistribution, and rural development as core pillars of his campaign platform to address long-standing inequality in the Colombian countryside.
While Cepeda maintains a firm commitment to the "total peace" framework, some members of his supporting circle have expressed different views. Reports indicate that Juan Fernando Cristo, who joined Cepeda's campaign, has distanced himself from the "paz total" policy [2]. This divergence highlights a potential tension within the coalition as it attempts to balance radical peace initiatives with broader political appeals.
With only four weeks remaining until the election [2], Cepeda is utilizing high-profile media appearances to persuade voters that a national agreement is the only way to prevent political fragmentation. He said the agreement would serve as the centerpiece of his administration's efforts to unify the country's disparate political factions.
“Iván Cepeda proposed a "acuerdo nacional" as the centerpiece of his campaign.”
Cepeda's push for a 'national agreement' suggests an attempt to broaden the appeal of the Pacto Histórico beyond its core leftist base. By framing 'total peace' and agrarian reform as part of a larger national consensus, he is attempting to mitigate the political risk associated with the controversial nature of negotiating with armed insurgents. However, the public distancing of allies like Juan Fernando Cristo from the 'total peace' policy indicates that the coalition may struggle to maintain a unified front on security strategy as the election nears.
