Bogotรก – โค Former Bogotรก Mayor Enrique peรฑalosa asserted that Colombian โPresident Gustavo Petro, Senator Ivรกn Cepeda, and alleged drug trafficker ‘Mordisco’ represent the same underlying issue: a challenge to the rule of law and a willingness to โseek political legitimacy through unconventional means. Peรฑalosaโค made the comments during anโฃ interview with El Tiempo, signaling a hardening of his stance on national security as he considers a potential presidential run.
Peรฑalosa, reflectingโฃ on Colombia’s ongoing conflict, stated, “Something that we have to recognize in Colombia, sadly and painfully, is that we are at war.” he expressed initial support for the peace process but now believes aโ stronger military response is necessary, โขespecially โin light of recent attacks on military installations โขlike the Marco Fidel Suรกrez base inโ Cali and facilities in Tunja.”What it truly seemsโ is that they are trying to seek some political legitimacy, and obviously I thinkโค that we shouldโ not give it toโ them. For this reason, โฃtoday I am one of the most radical people convinced that weโฃ have to strengthen our armed Forces and win the war.”
The โformer mayor also discussedโค potential political alliances, expressing interest in endorsements from parties like Cambio Radical and the Liberal Party, specifically citing the influence of Liberalโฃ leader Germรกn Vargas. He acknowledgedโ the possibility of a primary election,or consulta,and noted that Colombian regulations allow parties to endorse multiple candidates. โค
Peรฑalosa further contrasted his own political vision with that of Abelardo de la espriella,โค stating, “I am a critic of what Abelardo de la Espriella represents. I don’t like his resume for my president, but that is not a disqualification for โขDe laโ Espriella to participate in a consultation.” โคHe emphasized that participating in a primary does not precludeโ criticism of other candidates.