Paloma Valencia, a presidential candidate for the Centro Democrático party, said she intends to become the first woman to lead Colombia [1].
Valencia is positioning herself as a primary challenger to the current administration's economic framework. Her campaign focuses on attracting undecided voters by contrasting her platform with the policies of President Gustavo Petro [1, 2].
During an interview at the RCN Televisión studios, Valencia addressed several key points of contention regarding the national economy. She refuted the president's discourse on the minimum wage, saying that the current approach will eventually destroy employment and opportunities for Colombians [2].
Valencia also targeted the government's approach to social security. She described the pension reform as a "atraco," or robbery, and said the measure remains in limbo because the administration processed it incorrectly on two separate occasions [3].
Beyond economic critiques, Valencia discussed the role of youth and the fight against corruption. She is running with Juan Daniel Oviedo as her vice-presidential partner [1].
Throughout the interview, Valencia emphasized her readiness for the presidency. She dismissed criticisms regarding her political alignment and reiterated her goal of achieving a historic milestone for women in Colombian politics [1].
"The president is me," Valencia said [1].
“"La reforma pensional es un atraco; está en el limbo porque la tramitó mal dos veces"”
Valencia's rhetoric signals a strategy of aggressive opposition to President Petro's legislative agenda, particularly regarding labor and pensions. By framing her candidacy around both a rejection of current socialist-leaning policies and the historic nature of a female presidency, she is attempting to bridge the gap between traditional conservative voters and a broader electorate seeking a change in governance.
