Colombian presidential candidate Valencia vows end to 'total peace' policy, will be tougher on security
Colombian presidential candidate Paloma Valencia has announced plans to end the government's 'total peace' policy and implement a stricter security approach if elected. She aims to strengthen security forces and reactivate arrest warrants against armed groups, marking a significant shift from the current administration's strategy. Valencia's campaign also emphasizes economic growth through increased fossil fuel production and tax cuts.
- ▪Paloma Valencia is a candidate from the right-wing Democratic Center party.
- ▪She plans to expand police and military personnel by 60,000 and resume aerial spraying of coca crops.
- ▪Valencia's economic policy includes boosting oil, gas, and mining output while ensuring environmental protection.
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Colombian presidential candidate Valencia vows end to 'total peace' policy, will be tougher on securitySign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxDemocratic Center party presidential candidate Paloma Valencia speaks during an interview with Reuters, in Bogota, Colombia May 19, 2026. REUTERS/Luisa GonzalezPublished May 20, 2026, 09:04 PMUpdated May 20, 2026, 09:04 PMBOGOTA, May 20 - Colombian presidential candidate Paloma Valencia said she would scrap the government's “total peace” policy and pursue a tougher security strategy against armed groups if elected, marking a sharp shift from leftist President Gustavo Petro's approach.“The policy of total peace ends with me.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.