Early Life and Loss of Mother
Miguel Uribe, a Colombian senator and presidential aspirant, lost his mother, Diana Turbay, a renowned journalist, at the age of four when she was allegedly on her way to interview a guerrilla leader. In reality, it was a scheme by drug lord Pablo Escobar to keep her captive and pressure against the extradition of Colombian drug traffickers to the United States. During a botched rescue attempt, Turbay was killed, leaving Miguel and his sister orphaned.
Literary Reference
These events are recounted in Gabriel García Márquez’s novel “Noticia de un secuestro,” which includes a mention of young Miguel during the anxious five-month wait between his mother’s kidnapping and murder.
Political Background
Growing up in a politically influential family, with grandfather Julio César Turbay serving as president from 1978 to 1982, Uribe studied at one of Bogotá’s top schools, became a lawyer, and completed a master’s degree at Harvard University.
- Concejal (Councilman) of Bogotá
- Secretary of Governance
- Candidate for the mayoralty of Bogotá
- Senator with the right-wing Centro Democrático party in 2022
- Announced presidential aspirations for 2023
Recent Attack and Political Stance
On January 25, 1991, Uribe was shot during a campaign event in a Bogotá slum by a purported 15-year-old hitman. Prior to the shooting, Uribe spoke about his mother and the violence he experienced in a speech to persuade those listening of his personal connection to Colombia’s struggles.
Uribe is a strong critic of President Gustavo Petro and the left in general, opposing peace negotiations with guerrillas and social reforms promoted by the president. Known for his neat appearance, he was not previously seen as a prominent figure in the party’s leadership and had no known threats against him.
Family and Future Outlook
Uribe is a father of a two-year-old child and often repeats the phrase “Colombia tiene futuro” (Colombia has a future).
Contextualizing Uribe’s Political Career
The attack on Uribe marks one of the darkest episodes in Colombian politics this century. Historically, five presidential candidates have been assassinated, with drug cartels often implicated alongside politicians and state agents.
