President Gustavo Petro’s proposal to integrate the political organizations that are part of the Historical Pact coalition into a single party has caused a stir among both left-wing and right-wing militants. In Huila there are already reactions.
CATHERINE MANCHOLA
The Historic Pact coalition that brought President Gustavo Petro to the presidency of Colombia brings together various parties, in Huila nine are part of it: the Patriotic Union, Human Colombia, Alternative Democratic Pole, Communist Party, Todos Somos Colombia, Mais, Workers’ Party of Colombia, Comunes and the Peace Force.
Following President Gustavo Petro’s proposal to integrate its component organizations into a single party ahead of the 2026 elections, there are bittersweet reactions in Huila.
For Leyla Rincón, who is the only left-wing representative in the Chamber for Huila and is a member of the Democratic Pole, a unitary party that strives to “achieve socio-environmental justice, recognize diversities, youth dynamics, women as the fundamental axis of the Transformation, the importance of those who exercise free citizenship, and recognizing the construction of peace and life, is the route.”
many interests
But Jorge Reyes, president of the Neiva Alternative Democratic Pole Committee, considers that the president’s proposal “deserves careful consideration and analysis,” since there is “diversity of political currents,” as well as “some particular interests.”
According to the spokesperson, “the experience in Huila with the Historical Pact coalition highlights the need to carefully evaluate the will of the member parties for unity and the support for the official candidates,” he recalled that “the difficulties experienced in the election of “Candidates for the Mayor of Neiva and the Government of Huila emphasize the importance of generating trust and political affinity between the parties that are part of the Historical Pact.” Finally, he announced that everything will depend on the “will to dialogue, the construction of consensus and the ability to overcome ideological and strategic differences.” Respect and transparency are also essential. And, ultimately, the consolidation of forces “can be an effective way to strengthen influence and the ability to implement positive changes in the country.”
The tasteless
For Libardo Chilatra of the Patriotic Union in Huila, it is a “necessary and urgent political proposal to materialize. But that need collides with several realities.” He mentioned that the Pact at the national level is made up of more than 10 parties and there is a variety of interests and ideological nuances. Each community receives money from the State for its operation.
He asserted that: “Petro, due to the need to refloat his government and free it from the attacks of the right, has strengthened former liberals and Uribistas more than the left itself. Not to go too far… to the last electoral debate, the left-wing parties were sent without any type of support… “we went to a war unarmed and without equipment.”
He argued that the bureaucratic country is still in the hands of the right and Huila is an example of this. But, he considers that there is still “time to get back on track.” He highlighted President Petro’s intelligence, “but I am also on alert, because the” blindfolds “that he has pulled are evident.” And he rejected that progressivism does not have representation in different entities.
“In conclusion, in my opinion Gustavo Petro must work to save himself, but he also has to work to save the Colombian people who were the ones who brought him to the Presidency of the Republic.”
Reactions from other parties
Although the liberal representative, Flora Perdomo, reported that from her community “we respect the call of President Gustavo Petro, regardless of the decisions adopted by our community,” other organizations have viewed the Head of State’s announcement with very bad eyes.
For example, for several in the opposition, the president is allegedly participating improperly in politics. “Given this blatant participation in politics by Gustavo Petro, I will file a complaint with the Impeachment Commission of the House of Representatives. Petro intends to ignore the Constitution, the Law and the jurisprudence that prohibit participation in politics,” said María Fernanda Cabal, from the Democratic Center.
