Petro reaffirms his commitment to a strong and regulatory state in the Colombian economy.

President Gustavo Petro has rekindled his commitment to a stronger and more present state in the Colombian economy, following a period during which he had moderated his rhetoric in search of political consensus. In recent days, Petro has delivered a powerful speech in defense of public services, the regulation of the electricity market, and support for small businesses, reaffirming his vision of a government that actively intervenes in the economy. During a speech last Sunday, Petro addressed one of the most pressing issues: the high energy tariffs in Colombia. He claimed that the country is the only one in Latin America where the cost of energy is not regulated by the state, allowing companies to set prices according to the market and speculate at will. Cautioning against the concentration of energy power in the hands of a few companies, Petro emphasized the need for the state to take a more decisive role in tariff setting, arguing that five companies control 70% of electricity generation in the country. However, dismantling this framework will not be an easy task. Currently, the price of energy for end consumers is determined by a semi-autonomous body, the Energy and Gas Regulation Commission (CREG). Petro has attempted to modify this dynamic, but his efforts have been thwarted by the Council of State, which has underscored that it cannot act outside the law. Despite these limitations, the president remains convinced that the state should have a more active role in regulating the energy sector. In parallel, Petro has also proposed that the state define which sectors banks can direct their loans to. This idea, presented at an economic reactivation forum, mentions the possibility of using part of the public savings to support productive sectors. Although the proposal still lacks concrete details, it has drawn criticism from bankers and businesspeople, who suggest a voluntary alternative that does not align with Petro's vision of state intervention. The controversy surrounding the management of the former San Juan de Dios hospital in Bogotá is another example of the president's stance in defense of the public sector. The dispute with Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán reveals a clash of visions regarding the future of cultural heritage and health services. While the mayor seeks to develop a new hospital on the site through a contract with a Spanish company, Petro advocates for preserving all the buildings and ensuring that health services remain public, citing studies that criticize the privatization of the sector. This local confrontation between two politically popular figures could have broader repercussions. The president is not only defending an icon of Bogotá's healthcare system but also drawing a line against the privatization of services, a topic that has been a national debate under his administration. The need to protect patient care and architectural heritage is at the center of his proposal, an aspect that has defined his term. The impact of these actions will be felt in the upcoming health reform that the government plans to present. The drafting of this reform, which seeks to expand the state's role in ensuring the health of Colombians, will be crucial in determining the future direction of Petro's government. However, the success of the proposal will largely depend on the support he can garner in a Congress where the opposition has expressed reservations about the extent of state policies. Interior Minister Juan Fernando Cristo has attempted to lay the groundwork for this reform through meetings with different political groups, seeking to engage them in a political agreement that would allow progress. However, internal resistance and criticisms of state interventionism could complicate the advancement of the initiative. If the government fails to achieve consensus, Petro's ambition to expand the role of the state in the economy could face legislative hurdles. The direction the government takes in the coming weeks will be marked by the response to these proposals and Petro's ability to balance his public agenda with the need to build political alliances. The pressure to ensure quality public services and regulate strategic sectors such as energy will challenge existing structures but will also test the government's strength in an increasingly polarized political environment. Ultimately, Petro's legacy will be defined by his ability to transform his proposals into concrete realities. As the country faces challenges such as drug trafficking, inequality, and the environmental crisis, how the president integrates his vision of a strong and regulatory state into Colombia's economic development will be fundamental to his continued hold on power and the public's perception of his administration.