Bogotá, Colombia – Colombians take to the polls Sunday to elect representatives to Congress and the Senate. They will also have the option to vote in three primary elections – known as inter-party consultations – that will decide a presidential candidate that parties will put forth for the first round of presidential elections on May 31.
Two candidates that are currently leading in the polls, Abelardo de la Espriella and Ivan Cepeda, are not included in the primaries and the eventual nominees from the three consultations – “The Consultation for Solutions: Health, Security, and Education”; “Front for Life”, and “The Great Consultation for Colombia” – will eventually compete against them.
Juan Carlos Pinzón, a presidential pre-candidate taking part in The Great Consultation for Colombia primary alongside eight other conservative candidates including former Bogotá Mayor Enrique Peñalosa, media personality Vicky Dávila, and former Governor of Antioquia, Aníbal Gaviria, hopes to gain the nomination with the backing of his Oxygen Green Party (Partido Oxígeno).
A former Defense Minister during the administration of Juan Manuel Santos, Pinzón was later Colombia’s ambassador to the United States where he helped create the U.S.-Colombia Business Council within the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as well as “Peace Colombia”, a successor funding and cooperation package to Plan Colombia financed by the U.S.
Speaking to the media at a press conference on March 5 ahead of the primary elections, Pinzón outlined his policy plan, which prioritizes national security and economic reactivation. His strategy includes the construction of four high-security prisons and a “zero tolerance” policy to restore public order, alongside the reactivation of oil and gas exploration to ensure energy stability. (President Gustavo Petro’s government halted all oil exploration in 2023).
Additionally, he emphasized the creation of Special Economic Zones to attract international investment and a productivity plan for the agricultural sector, seeking to generate one million formal jobs per year and position Colombia as a regional leader in economic development.
Latin America Reports sat down with Pinzón in Bogotá on the sidelines of his press conference to answer questions about his candidacy. The following interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
Latin America Reports: What makes you different from other candidates?
Juan Carlos Pinzón: What sets me apart from other candidates seeking the ‘Casa de Nariño’ [presidential residence] is my real experience.
Some have never even managed the security of their own building, yet they claim they can fix Colombia’s security. I have led the Armed Forces, spearheaded major strikes against terrorism, and I know how to strengthen the justice system.
Beyond that, we have the international relationships needed to move forward. While other candidates just give opinions, we have actual plans. Our government program is ready and written; we have 20 specific blueprints for every issue the country faces. There is a proven track record behind our solutions for the problems Colombia faces today.
We are going to dismantle those terrible decisions that are causing poverty, pain, and that can lead to a blackout in the country.
LAR: Since you served as ambassador to the United States in the past, what is your proposal regarding undocumented Colombians in that country who are facing Trump’s tough migration policies?
Pinzón: First of all, I want Colombians not to feel forced to leave the country. If they choose to leave, it should be because they have a real opportunity to do so. I want them to dream of staying in their own country. I am committed to providing the economic, professional, and social tools they need to reach their goals in their home nation.
Regarding the relationship with the United States and the complex issues involved, we will handle it as I always have: through dialogue.
We are going to talk, find solutions, and create paths that benefit Colombian citizens.
LAR: Turning to our neighbor, Venezuela: Would you maintain diplomatic relations with figures of ‘Chavismo’, such as Delcy Rodríguez?
Pizón: I am not going to break relations with any country.
Diplomacy is the ability to speak even with enemies. My approach will always be based on dialogue, just as I have done throughout my career.
We must find real solutions to complex problems through conversation, not by closing doors.
LAR: And what would be your administration’s position regarding the ongoing crisis in the Middle East?
Pinzón: My priority isn’t the geopolitical crisis in the Middle East; my priority is right here.
I intend to use my already set international relationships to reach investment funds in the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, bringing that capital back to develop a nation that I have defended on the ground.
LAR: Based on your own experience living outside the country, what would you say to the Colombian community voting from abroad?
Pinzón: When you live abroad, as I have, you become twice as Colombian; you love your country even more.
To all the Colombians listening: we need you here. Your vote counts, and your decisions are vital.
I know you deeply love Colombia, and that is why I ask for your support.
Featured image: Juan Carlos Pinzón
Image credit: pinzonbueno.com
The post International policy through dialogue: An interview with Juan Carlos Pinzón, presidential pre-candidate in Colombia appeared first on Latin America Reports.