"Resignation as an act of greatness and responsibility in current politics."

In a political context where ambition can blind even the most experienced, resignation stands as an act of courage and responsibility. Joe Biden, despite the criticisms he has faced during his term, has shown that the ability to step down can reflect greatness. By abandoning the fight for re-election, he has not only avoided a potential plunge into the historical obscurity of a humiliating defeat but has also transformed his exit into a triumph more significant than many might imagine. History is full of leaders who, upon recognizing their limitations, have chosen to leave power with dignity. Figures such as Winston Churchill and Angela Merkel have faced resignation with the maturity that comes from knowing that politics should not be a personal game but rather a service to society. This act not only demonstrates a profound understanding of how institutions function but also allows them to prevail over individual interests. By resigning, leaders send a powerful message: respect for institutions is fundamental to the health of a democracy. This stands in stark contrast to dictators like Fidel Castro or Joseph Stalin, who cling to power until the end, highlighting the difference between authentic leadership and tyranny. While some view power as an extension of their own identity, others understand that their legacy depends on how they act when faced with crises. However, resignation does not always arise from noble reflection. Often, it is the consequence of management errors that lead to unavoidable crises. Cases like Richard Nixon and Mikhail Gorbachev illustrate how leaders are forced to leave their positions when public opinion becomes unsustainable. Resignations due to scandals, such as those of Fernando Collor de Mello or Alberto Fujimori, also highlight how external pressure can force politicians to act, although not always honorably. In countries like Colombia, the lack of resignations in compromising situations reveals a deep deterioration of the rule of law. Politicians under investigation, facing serious accusations, continue in their positions, confident that impunity will prevail. This phenomenon suggests that the institutions that should act as guardians of ethics and justice are failing in their role, sending a discouraging message to the citizenry. It is alarming to see that some politicians, after resigning, manage to ascend to even more powerful positions. Corruption scandals have led figures like Lula da Silva to return to political life with renewed fervor, challenging the laws that should regulate their behavior. Such situations raise unsettling questions about the nature of politics and morality in the exercise of power. From this perspective, the inability of certain leaders to resign highlights the inefficiency of democratic checks and balances. The continued presence of figures such as the presidents of the Senate and the House in Colombia amid accusations and suspicions reflects a culture of impunity and a disregard for established norms. This phenomenon not only delegitimizes those in such positions but also erodes public trust in the political system. Thus, resignation becomes a crucial indicator of the health of democracy. A voluntary act of relinquishing power can be the first step toward a necessary cleansing, a sign that politics has mechanisms to correct its course. The absence of this option in the vocabulary of political leaders suggests that many believe they are above the law, in a dangerous illusion of invulnerability. Ultimately, resignation is a reminder that power has limits and must be exercised responsibly. Only those who understand the transience of power can face the difficult decision to resign when the situation demands it. In a world where politics can seem like a spectacle, acts of resignation may be the purest form of leadership, a signal that, at its core, democracy and institutions are more important than any personal ambition.