Juan Brignardello Vela
Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, se especializa en brindar asesoramiento y gestión comercial en el ámbito de seguros y reclamaciones por siniestros para destacadas empresas en el mercado peruano e internacional.
Over the past 730 days, the political and economic situation in Colombia has caused great concern among the population. As the government has made decisions that seem to disincentivize citizens and productive sectors, anxiety has increased. The lack of clarity in crucial policies such as oil, housing, and health, along with constant fiscal pressure, has left many Colombians with the feeling that the future is uncertain. Since the beginning of President Gustavo Petro's administration, the economy has been in a state of paralysis. The implemented policies have contributed to a collapse in savings and consequently in investment. Colombian families, who initially increased their consumption after the pandemic, now face a completely different landscape. Inflation has outpaced their incomes, forcing households to adjust their spending and reduce their purchases. The situation is particularly critical for the middle and lower classes, who see their resources becoming increasingly limited. In this context, high inflation and elevated interest rates have created a vicious cycle that hampers economic recovery. Companies, seeing their demand fall, have halted their investment plans and face a bleak outlook. The result is an economy that is not only stagnant but appears to be in a comatose state. This situation is not the product of an external phenomenon but the result of governmental decisions that have generated distrust in the private sector. Public discontent is palpable and manifests in a widespread attitude of waiting. Families and businesses have decided to halt their economic plans, purchases, and projects, in a context where the government has shown no capacity to reactivate confidence. The Petro administration, instead of offering a path towards stability, has opted for abrasive rhetoric that alienates investors and discourages consumers. The most affected economic sectors have been those that depended on clear and consistent policies. The housing industry has seen significant stagnation, while the energy sector has fallen into uncertainty due to the government's erratic decisions. Expectations around energy policy are grim; the lack of clarity and absence of long-term investments have generated an imminent crisis, especially in the Caribbean Coast, where the lack of gas and energy could worsen. Moreover, the infrastructure sector has been hit by unforeseen increases in tolls and a lack of clarity regarding future budgets. This unpredictability has led to paralysis in trade and industry, which are fundamental to the Colombian economy. With over 60% of the national economy at stake, it is concerning that the horizon appears so uncertain. The government has attempted to compensate for this decline in consumption by increasing public spending. However, the tax reforms, both from the previous government and the current one, have led to widespread discontent, as the execution of these budgets has been deficient. Instead of seeing improvements, citizens are faced with corruption scandals that erode trust in institutions. As the third year of government approaches, a series of ambitious reforms are on the horizon, from reelection to new policies in health and labor. Nevertheless, fear persists. The lack of tangible results over the past 730 days leaves the impression that continuing down this path could lead to an even greater collapse. The 52 million Colombians living in the country deserve clear leadership that provides hope and direction. However, the 30% approval rating that the government still maintains poses a dilemma. Recent political history indicates that ineptitude is not always punished at the polls. If this is the case, we could face not only another 730 days of uncertainty but a complete cycle until 2030, which would be even more devastating. Colombian society is at a critical juncture. The need to redirect government policies is urgent. The promise of change must be backed by concrete actions that generate trust, stability, and a better future for all. The hope that the government will find the right path is a shared desire, but the current reality suggests that more than good intentions is needed to achieve it.