Uncertainty and Hope Set the Stage for Colombia's Future Leftist Government
JULY 1, 2022
BY ANTHONY PAHNKE
A former leftwing guerrilla – Gustavo Petro – has been elected to Colombia’s highest office.
What is clear is that Petro has left his revolutionary past behind him. The group of which he was part – M-19 – negotiated pardons from the Colombian government for its members before becoming a political party in the late 1980’s. Since then, Petro himself became firmly committed to electoral politics, serving as mayor of Bogotá twice, and running for President of Colombia three times before winning in his last attempt.
What is not so certain is Colombia’s political future.
More to the point – the historical absence of the left in governing the country, a complicated party system, as well as years of mass demonstrations, present distinct challenges for the incoming administration. Still, there is reason to be hopeful, as well as excited, concerning Colombia’s prospects.
One reason for uncertainty involves the somewhat unique political path that Colombia has taken.
More:
https://www.counterpunch.org/2022/07/01/uncertainty-and-hope-set-the-stage-for-colombias-future-leftist-government/