Introduction to Vicky Dávila
Vicky Dávila is a prominent Colombian journalist with over three decades of experience. Known for her work as the director of a leading political magazine in Colombia, she has garnered recognition and success in her field. When questioned about her interest in running for the presidency, she responds with a sense of urgency and concern.
Dávila’s Concerns about Colombia’s Future
Dávila expresses her worries about the direction Colombia is heading under President Gustavo Petro’s leadership. She believes that Petro’s obsession with maintaining power poses a significant threat to the country’s democracy.
“We have only ten months left; it’s either we save Colombia or lose it,” she says during a breakfast meeting.
Parallel Paths: Colombia and Mexico
There are striking similarities between Colombia and Mexico, particularly in their struggles with organized crime. Dávila points out that Mexican drug cartels have established a presence in Colombia, with the country becoming a supplier of cocaine and coca leaves for these cartels.
As Dávila describes the growth of criminal groups under Petro’s administration, it’s hard not to draw parallels between the Colombian president and Mexico’s former leader, Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO).
The Influence of Donald Trump’s Policies
Dávila explains that the policies of former U.S. President Donald Trump have exacerbated issues in Colombia, targeting criminal groups involved in fuel theft (huachicol) and narcotics trafficking, particularly fentanyl-producing cartels.
Distinguishing Petro from AMLO
The primary difference between Petro and AMLO lies in their approach to the military. Dávila asserts that Petro aims to exact revenge on Colombia’s armed forces, which opposed him during his time as a member of the M-19 guerrilla group. She notes that the military is currently weakened, impoverished, and demoralized.
Another shared characteristic is the misuse of public funds. Dávila claims that Petro exploits the poor by offering them handouts and subsidies to maintain or gain power.
Legislative and Judicial Tensions
Despite not having a majority in Congress, Petro has attempted to expand his power through a consultation proposal that was recently rejected. Dávila reminds us that executive interference in the judiciary already exists, citing the delayed trial of Nicolás Petro, the president’s son, as an example.
“They accuse him of accepting drug money to finance his father’s campaign,” she states.
Key Questions and Answers
- Why is Vicky Dávila concerned about Colombia’s future under President Petro? Dávila fears that Petro’s obsession with power threatens Colombia’s democracy and that the country is at a critical juncture.
- What similarities does Dávila see between Colombia and Mexico? Both nations grapple with organized crime, as evidenced by the presence of Mexican drug cartels in Colombia and their reliance on the country for cocaine and coca leaves.
- How have Donald Trump’s policies affected Colombia? Trump-era initiatives have intensified pressure on Colombian criminal groups involved in fuel theft and narcotics trafficking.
- What distinguishes Petro from AMLO? While both leaders share certain traits, Petro’s intentions to weaken the military and exploit public funds for personal gain set him apart from AMLO.
- What executive-judicial tensions exist in Colombia? Despite Petro not having a congressional majority, executive interference in the judiciary is evident. The delayed trial of Nicolás Petro, accused of accepting drug money for his father’s campaign, exemplifies this issue.
