"Two-Year Balance of Gustavo Petro's Government: Achievements and Challenges in Colombia"

Two years have passed since Gustavo Petro assumed the presidency of Colombia, a period marked by political polarization and the crossfire of the far-right, which has predicted an imminent economic, social, and political disaster for the country from the outset. Despite the alarmist predictions aimed at delegitimizing his government, the results have shown a more nuanced picture than that forecasted by his detractors. In economic terms, the feared collapse has not occurred. The recession many anticipated has not materialized, largely due to a combination of factors. On one hand, the global economy is facing a decline that affects all nations, and on the other, the Bank of the Republic, true to the neoliberal model, maintains high interest rates despite a reduction in inflation, especially in basic food items. This context has hindered economic reactivation; however, despite this, the country has managed to avoid falling into a deep recession. Socially, the measures implemented during these two years have begun to bear fruit. The reduction in inflation, along with increases in salaries, has contributed to a decrease in both monetary and multidimensional poverty, contradicting the claims of the opposition. The approval of the new pension law, along with initiatives like the solidarity income, has represented a step forward towards better social welfare, especially for vulnerable sectors, including women. Surprisingly, this government has managed to prioritize education and health over defense spending, something that has not been seen in half a century. This has been made possible by a progressive tax reform that allowed for more resources to be channeled into social investment. However, adjustments in spending have been necessary due to decisions by the Constitutional Court, which have affected royalty payments. In the political sphere, the situation is complex. Polarization has led the far-right to attempt to undermine the government through accusations of financial irregularities in Petro's electoral campaign. At the same time, popular sectors that support the change process announced by the president have demonstrated their strength in the streets, as evidenced by the massive participation in International Workers’ Day, which contrasted with the weak response from the opposition. Nevertheless, the government has not been free from criticism. The recent corruption scandal in the National Risk Unit has been a regrettable episode that has tarnished its management. Betraying the principles of progressivism is unacceptable, and the demand for transparency and accountability is more necessary than ever. Despite this, it should be acknowledged that this is the first time a president has admitted to failures in their administration, a gesture of humility that contrasts with the silence of past administrations in the face of larger scandals. There has also been uneven performance in some sectors of the administration, where inexperience and inherited opposition have complicated empathy with government programs. This aspect is crucial, as the effective implementation of the National Development Plan is essential to address the needs of Colombians. Social and labor conflicts persist, and it is evident that they will not be resolved overnight. This government has the task of fostering effective social dialogue seeking real and lasting solutions to the problems plaguing the country. Despite the constant attacks from the opposition, the achievements of Gustavo Petro's administration are undeniable. These initiatives aim to settle a long-standing social debt, which reached its boiling point during the social unrest of 2021. The measures implemented so far are a step towards recognizing the fundamental rights of citizens. Finally, a large national mobilization is anticipated on August 7, coinciding with the second anniversary of the change government. The call seeks to reaffirm support for the implemented policies, and it is expected that citizens will make their voices heard in the streets of Bogotá, starting at Parque Nacional and culminating at Plaza de Bolívar. This mobilization presents an opportunity for social sectors to express their expectations and demands at a critical moment for Colombian democracy.