The vice-presidential ticket of Abelardo De La Espriella achieved a strong showing in the first round of presidential elections on May 31. José Manuel Restrepo credited the support to public concern over insecurity and extortion.
José Manuel Restrepo, former finance minister and vice-presidential candidate, said voters recognized a proposal that defends the 1991 Constitution and private initiative. He highlighted fatigue with the government of Gustavo Petro and candidate Iván Cepeda for what he described as collusion with criminal groups. Restrepo noted that extortion has become a national pandemic and that the Total Peace policy has failed. He proposed mega-prisons through private concessions and a reduction in the size of the central state to fight corruption and reactivate economic growth. On health, the candidate promised to allocate 10 trillion pesos immediately to guarantee medicines and care, along with stricter oversight of health providers. He also pledged to strengthen existing social programs without eliminating them. Restrepo stressed the role of Huila in the campaign and called for multiplying support ahead of the runoff, rejecting claims that his government would cut the minimum wage.
