In a move that promises to further polarize the electoral landscape, right-wing presidential pre-candidate Paloma Valencia has launched a proposal that has triggered a political earthquake: if she reaches the Casa de Nariño, her Minister of Defense would be former President Álvaro Uribe Vélez.
Senator Valencia, one of the most visible figures of the opposition, based her proposal on the need for a radical shift in the management of the country’s public order. According to the candidate, the goal is to bury the current “Total Peace” policy of the National Government to establish what she calls “Total Security.”
The Return of “Democratic Security”
Analysts view this announcement as the “definitive nod” to the Democratic Security policy that marked Uribe’s two presidential terms (2002-2010). Valencia seeks to capitalize on the nostalgia of a sector of the electorate that demands a “strong hand” against illegal armed groups.
“Total Security is not just a slogan; it is the return of authority and the support for our Military Forces,” Valencia stated during a meeting with supporters.
Key Points of the Proposal:
- Uribe’s Leadership: Utilizing the former president’s experience to reorganize the strategy against drug trafficking and insurgency.
- The End of “Total Peace”: Dismantling dialogue processes that, according to the candidate, have allowed criminal structures to strengthen.
- Territorial Recovery: An approach focused on an offensive military presence in the areas most affected by violence.
Mixed Reactions
The proposal quickly ignited a heated debate. While sectors aligned with the Centro Democrático celebrate what they consider the “return of order,” center and left-wing sectors have expressed deep concern.
Critics of the announcement point out that Uribe’s return to a ministerial portfolio could reopen old social wounds. Furthermore, they question the viability of reviving a policy from two decades ago in a security context that has evolved significantly.
For now, former President Uribe has not confirmed whether he would accept the post. However, the mere mention of his name has achieved exactly what Valencia intended: placing security at the center of the national agenda and consolidating her position as the heir to the Uribista legacy.