On July 20, Jaime Raúl Salamanca, a representative from the Alianza Verde party, was elected the new president of Colombia’s lower house of Congress. He secured 114 votes, defeating fellow party member Katherine Miranda, who received 69 votes.
Salamanca received significant backing from President Gustavo Petro’s coalition, as well as support from independent factions like the Liberal Party, the Party of the U, and Comunes. Following his election, Salamanca emphasized his determination to maintain the independence of Congress from the executive branch. He assured that all necessary guarantees would be provided for parliamentary debates.
“We will work towards a cooperative relationship that respects the separation of powers. If we engage in dialogue and collaboration with political parties, civil society, academia, and various sectors, we can make the plenary sessions and the overall function of Congress more effective and beneficial for the country. You can rest assured that my presidency will be for everyone,” Salamanca stated.
In an interview, he reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that all political sectors receive fair opportunities to discuss legislative proposals. Salamanca also addressed previous criticisms regarding his connections with Boyacá’s governor, Carlos Amaya. He clarified that their relationship is solely political and rooted in a long history of collaboration that began two decades ago. “He is focused on his governorship, while we concentrate on our work here in Congress,” he mentioned.
Moreover, Salamanca expressed admiration for Katherine Miranda, highlighting the importance of mutual respect. He assured her, along with all congress members, that they would have the same opportunities to share their ideas.
The congressman also responded to critiques concerning divisions within his party during President Petro’s administration, especially following the recent presidential election in Congress. “We are a party filled with nuances, and the key is to manage those differences to contribute positively to the country,” he explained.
Additionally, Salamanca expressed his disagreement with some of President Petro’s recent proposals, such as the potential for a Constituent Assembly and fast-tracking the 2016 Peace Agreement with the Farc guerrilla. He indicated that the environment did not seem conducive for these initiatives but believed in the need to advance towards a National Agreement to pursue the social reforms outlined in both the Presidential program and the National Development Plan.
As for the upcoming Labor Reform debate, Salamanca mentioned that before the bill is presented in plenary, it would undergo necessary forums and hearings to gather input from sectors and representatives of Colombian society. He also acknowledged the importance of reviewing the Labor Reform, stating that he hopes to reach agreements that will enhance the efficiency of Congress’s work. With over 120 legislative initiatives on the table, Salamanca affirms there is ample work ahead for his presidency.
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