Populism Isn’t the Answer to Colombia’s Problems
Today’s presidential election doesn’t offer voters much of a choice. Whoever wins will need to squarely face deepening economic challenges.
Don’t get your hopes up.
Photographer: Yuri Cortez/AFP/Getty Images
In the chaos of Latin American politics, Colombia has in recent years looked like an island of stability. Now change is certain. Sunday’s presidential election will be between two outsiders: the first viable leftist candidate in decades, and a populist construction magnate running on an anti-corruption ticket. The victor could do worse than to learn from the rise and slump of anti-establishment leaders elected elsewhere in the region. Without broad support and an eye on public finances, neither will deliver the improved living conditions voters have demanded.
Gustavo Petro, the former guerrilla now serving as senator, had been expected to win May’s first round, and he did — but his second round was supposed to be against conservative candidate Federico Gutierrez. Instead, thanks to a late-stage, social media-powered surge, Petro will face the querulous Rodolfo Hernandez, a businessman and former mayor. Polls are tight enough for some to predict that the “King of TikTok” may yet carry the day.