Background on Vicky Dávila
Vicky Dávila, a renowned Colombian journalist with 33 years of experience in various media outlets, recently shared her intentions to run for president in the 2026 elections during an interview with El Economista.
Reasons for Seeking Presidency
Dávila emphasized her motivation stems from the fear of losing Colombia due to what she perceives as President Gustavo Petro’s intentions to interfere with the elections, creating an environment conducive to violence and threats against opposition figures.
Recent Events and Threats
- Attempted Assassination of Miguel Uribe: Dávila discussed the recent assassination attempt on precandidate Miguel Uribe, to which she believes President Petro bears political responsibility.
- Phone Call from Minister of the Interior: Following the attack, the Minister of the Interior contacted Uribe to inform him about a plan to assassinate Dávila. Despite the threats, she maintains her resolve without fear.
Addressing Concerns Regarding Campaign Integrity
Dávila addressed concerns about potential narco-trafficking involvement in future campaigns, stating she has taken a firm stance against corruption and will not tolerate any form of illicit funding.
Foreign Policy Vision
Dávila outlined her approach to foreign policy, emphasizing diplomacy, respect, and seriousness in relationships with countries such as the United States, Israel, the United Kingdom, and others. She also mentioned her intention to combat narco-trafficking and organized crime alongside these allies.
Colombia-Mexico Relations
Dávila expressed her intention to maintain a respectful relationship with Mexico, acknowledging the presence of Mexican cartels in Colombia and the need for cooperation to address drug trafficking.
Petro’s Relationship with Maduro and its Impact on Colombia
Dávila criticized President Petro for lacking principles and values, suggesting his alliance with countries like Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, China, and Iran puts Colombia at risk. She also pointed out Petro’s reluctance to condemn Hamas attacks, implying his support for terrorist groups.
Business Community’s Response to Petro’s Economic Policies
Dávila acknowledged the business community faces significant challenges in being more vocal against the government due to physical threats and other intimidation tactics. She urged them to join the fight for democracy and ultimately win the elections.
Critique of Petro’s Economic Policies
Dávila described Petro’s economic policies as ideologically driven, aiming to create an egalitarian society where everyone is impoverished. She labeled Petro as a product of socialist and communist ideology, intending to dismantle private enterprises, nationalize industries, weaken the military, and harm the economy while promoting hatred.
Call for International Support
Dávila appealed to countries worldwide to assist in safeguarding Colombia’s democracy and ensuring free and fair elections, as she believes the nation has only 10 months to either rescue or lose Colombia.
Key Questions and Answers
- Why does Vicky Dávila want to be president? She aims to prevent Colombia from losing its democracy and institutions amidst perceived threats from President Petro.
- What are her concerns regarding the assassination attempt on Miguel Uribe? Dávila believes President Petro bears political responsibility for the attack and criticizes his hostility towards opposition figures.
- How does she plan to address potential narco-trafficking involvement in her campaign? Dávila has taken a firm stance against corruption and vows not to tolerate illicit funding.
- What is her vision for Colombia’s foreign policy? Dávila emphasizes diplomacy, respect, and seriousness in relationships with key allies while combating narco-trafficking and organized crime.
- How does she intend to manage Colombia-Mexico relations? Dávila aims for a respectful relationship with Mexico while acknowledging the need to address drug trafficking.
- What are her concerns about Petro’s alliance with countries like Venezuela? Dávila believes these relationships put Colombia at risk and highlights Petro’s reluctance to condemn Hamas attacks.
- How has the business community responded to Petro’s economic policies? Faced with threats, the business community struggles to be more vocal against the government.
- What is her critique of Petro’s economic policies? Dávila describes them as ideologically driven, aiming to dismantle private enterprises and weaken the economy while promoting hatred.
- What message does she have for the international community? Dávila calls for global support in safeguarding Colombia’s democracy and ensuring free and fair elections.
