Bogota, Colombia – Paloma Valencia, a former senator for Colombia’s Democratic Center Party (Centro Democrático), was one of President Gustavo Petro’s strongest opponents and a key figure in Colombia’s far right.
Valencia, a staunch ally of controversial former President Alvaro Uribe Velez, is currently holding one of three primary elections on Sunday. This is known as an inter-party consultation and will determine the presidential candidates the parties will field in the first round of elections on May 31.
Valencia, who comes from a powerful family in Colombian politics, is the granddaughter of former President Guillermo Leon Valencia (1962-1966) on her father’s side, and the granddaughter of Mario Laserna, founder of the Universidad de los Andes, on her mother’s side.
He has a background in writing and communications and has worked as a newspaper columnist and political commentator. audience and the land of kali furthermore blue radioValencia has built one of the strongest social media followings among her Democratic Center colleagues and was the party’s presidential primary candidate in 2018 and 2022, withdrew from the race both times.
Valencia is aspiring to become a presidential candidate in Sunday’s ‘Grand Consultation for Colombia’ primary and eventually to become an alternative to the far-right Abelardo de la Espriella’s Defenders of the Fatherland movement in general elections on May 31.
Latin America Report We spoke with Valencia about her candidacy, her “4R” security strategy, and being a female politician in Colombia’s patriarchal society. The following interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
Latin America Report: In your experience, is women’s political activity more complex than that of men?
Paloma Valencia: We women have to work twice as hard to make sure people actually understand that we’re doing the work.
Female leadership is usually interpreted as “overly authoritarian” and limited to certain areas. For example, the fact that some people refer to us as the “weaker sex” gives the impression that we will be unable to impose authority and respond to security challenges.
I truly believe that becoming President will be the final step in the pursuit of equal rights for Colombian women.
It is important to break this glass ceiling so that every Colombian girl knows that she, too, can be president and that we, without exception, have the ability to lead in any field.
LAR: I wanted to ask you about Abelardo de la Espriella, who is captivating the right wing. What would your position be if he became president?
Valencia: I am a woman of my word and I will support anyone who is not Petro’s heir.
LAR: Let’s talk about the ‘4R’ security strategy. Why did you choose this ‘firm commitment’ approach as one of your key campaign objectives?
Valencia: Colombia cannot continue the “psychosis” that says impunity for violent people is the only path to peace. Because it is false.
The truth is that every developed country has done what it must to live in peace: put criminals in prisons, not in parliament.
We must reduce the income of illegal organizations, strengthen public power, and rebuild all lost capabilities.
LAR: Just a follow-up to that suggestion. What would be your position as head of state in a hypothetical scenario where the lives of minors, who are often forcibly recruited by these criminal groups, are put at risk during military operations?
Valencia: I truly believe that the state needs more control over hiring. Currently this is not happening.
You can find job offers for these kids right on the internet platforms.
There is no alert system in place to enable teachers to report when children are not attending school. This shows that teachers were recruited from rural areas.
This was also established through legislation that has not yet been implemented. That means we have to fight for these children from the beginning.
Now, I do not subscribe to the theory that if a guerrilla leader is with a minor, the state’s actions should simply end.
LAR: Some local media are reporting that former President Álvaro Uribe is being considered as a vice-presidential running mate if he wins the talks. Is this true?
Valencia: There is that name and there are other names, but I think it is a discussion that should be held as a team, as a group, and based on maximum consensus.
I want to find a formula to bring together everyone who is a team member and part of this great team for our political cause.
LAR: It is well known that you have a close relationship with former President Uribe. What does he represent to you, and what does it mean to have his support?
Valencia: I am Uribista and Uribista will die. With him, I not only had a great mentor, but I also had a great example. Those are the footsteps I’m trying to follow.
I have been a woman who has stood by President Uribe’s side in every battle for the past 12 years and played a key role in the creation of the Centro Democrático.
I have supported the party from its foundations and have participated in decisions that shape its essence.
They are different countries, different situations, different people. But whenever I see that there are still people who cherish and love Alvaro Uribe’s government, which ended almost 16 years ago, I understand the scale of what he has achieved.
LAR: How do you feel when you see the results on Sunday? Do you see yourself as a winner?
Valencia: No, actually. They say polls are snapshots of a moment in time, but politics are constantly changing.
This is like a soccer game. You won’t know how it’s going to end until it’s over.
LAR: How would you describe yourself? Why should people choose you?
Valencia: I am the person who stopped the most projects of the Petros government, and I am also the person who negotiated the most projects with the current government.
I am a woman of achievement who perfectly understands that in Colombia it is important not only to stand up for your beliefs but also to be able to engage in dialogue with people who think differently so that we can all fit into this country.
I am a woman with ‘clean hands’ who has been involved in politics for over 10 years.
People perceive me as a fighter for the Colombian cause.
Featured Image: Paloma Valencia with Álvaro Uribe Vélez
Image Credit: Paloma Valencia via X
