COOwnership & classification
Founded: 2009
Ownership
La Silla Vacía is a Colombian political news website founded in 2009 by journalist Juanita León, a Harvard Nieman Fellow, as one of Latin America's first native digital outlets. In 2024 León transferred her ownership shares to the non-profit La Silla Vacía Foundation, which now controls the outlet, a move made to entrench editorial independence and continuity beyond its founder.
Funding
It runs on a diversified non-profit model: grants from donors such as the Ford Foundation, Open Society, the National Endowment for Democracy, USAID, the World Bank, CAF and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung; reader memberships ('SuperAmigos'); fact-checking partnerships; courses and events; and limited advertising.
Affiliation & stance
It focuses on scrutinizing how political power is exercised in Colombia, with a center to center-left analytical stance, and has no ties to any party, the state or a business owner. Owned by a journalist-founded non-profit foundation and financed by membership and independent grants, it is classified as INDEPENDENT.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Center
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 463
78/100
Factual
71/100
Objective
471
Articles
471
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
The non-negotiables of indigenous communities in the NDP: Councillor Onic
The article discusses the National Development Plan (PND) in Colombia and the role of indigenous communities in shaping its policies. It highlights the importance of prior consultation with indigenous groups, as mandated by the 1991 Constitution. The Indigenous National Organization of Colombia (Onic), which represents the largest number of indigenous peoples in the country, has begun preparing proposals to influence the PND. These proposals aim to ensure the implementation of legal instruments such as prior informed consent, Indigenous Territorial Entities (ETI), and self-governed systems like the Indigenous Health System (Sispi) and Indigenous Education System (Seip). The article notes that Onic is engaging in dialogue with the government, emphasizing that certain policies related to indigenous rights are non-negotiable. The government has expressed interest in direct dialogue with indigenous authorities, but Onic insists on representing itself as an organized structure rather than individual leaders.
The Andi board of directors has accepted Bruce MacMaster's resignation.
The board of directors of the Colombian Association of Industries (Andi) accepted the resignation of Bruce Mac Master from his position as president of the organization. Mac Master had served for 13 years and had previously announced his decision to step down. In a statement, the board emphasized the importance of maintaining harmonious relations between the public and private sectors while upholding independence and national responsibility. They highlighted their commitment to supporting economic growth, employment, and reducing inequalities. The board praised Mac Master’s leadership during challenging times, including fiscal crises, pandemic-related issues, social conflicts, institutional tensions, and threats to democracy. Now, the search for his successor has begun under corporate governance guidelines, with several potential candidates being considered, including Maria Paula Correa, who has ties to current President Gustavo Petro.
Flip rejects Carlos Suárez's remarks against La Silla and Cambio
The Fundación para la Libertad de Prensa (Flip), una organización dedicada a defender la libertad de prensa, rechazó las acusaciones lanzadas por Carlos Suárez, presidente de la junta directiva de Ecopetrol y estratega de la campaña presidencial de Abelardo de la Espriella, contra el periódico La Silla Vacía y el medio Cambio. Las acusaciones surgieron tras una investigación publicada por La Silla Vacía que reveló intereses de Suárez en la empresa petrolera. Flip sostuvo que estas declaraciones buscan desacreditar el trabajo periodístico y presentar el escrutinio como una forma de confrontación política. La organización advirtió que la prensa no debe ser vista como adversaria del gobierno simplemente por investigar. Además, pidió a Suárez que evite hacer comentarios que estigmatizen a La Silla Vacía, a su directora Juanita León o a otros medios. El incidente forma parte de una serie de episodios documentados por Flip donde el presidente y personas cercanas han hecho señalamientos contra periodistas, incluyendo estigmatización y restricciones al trabajo periodístico.
Admitted Penagos tutelage against Petro for fraud charges
The national registrar, Hernán Penagos, has filed a tutelage action against former President Gustavo Petro, alleging that his accusations of election fraud violated rights related to honor and transparency. The Council of State admitted the tutelage, requiring Petro to respond within three days. Penagos claims Petro falsely accused him and the Registraduría of orchestrating electoral fraud during the 2026 elections, which were not corrected after a 15-day period. Petro responded by reaffirming his allegations, including claims about the removal of a digital verification system and 'racha' tests, while criticizing the Registrar for not responding to U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments. Independent fact-checking by La Silla Vacía refutes these claims, showing the verification system was not removed and that there is no evidence of fraud. Petro uses the fraud narrative to build his new opposition.
New drone attack on Aguachica station, the second in 11 days
A new drone attack occurred early this morning against the police station in Aguachica, southern Cesar department, causing three detainees to flee and injuring one person due to shrapnel. Authorities are investigating whether the ELN guerrilla group is behind the attack. This marks the second such incident in 11 days, with the previous attack occurring on September 24, where four grenades were launched by drones but no injuries were reported. The local mayor has called for a new security council to assess measures to strengthen safety. The military and police continue their security operations in the area, alongside the Unified Command Post (PMU). The government plans to establish a new Joint Task Force named 'Urano,' aimed at combating hydrocarbon theft and targeting armed groups like the ELN and Clan del Golfo. The task force will be led by Colonel Óscar Fernando Reyes and include capabilities from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, intelligence agencies, and the Public Prosecutor’s Office. This model was revived two years after Defense Minister Iván Velásquez discontinued similar efforts, citing limitations in joint military capabilities. In the Pacific region, there have been 1
I have stated what I know: Sneyder Pinilla responds to allegations against magistrate Vladimir Fernández
The article discusses allegations against Magistrate Vladimir Fernández Andrade related to corruption within the National Risk Management Unit (UNGRD). On September 30, the Constitutional Court held a special session to evaluate these claims but did not mention Fernández by name, urging respect for the presumption of innocence of its members. Despite repeated mentions of Fernández in the case, no investigation has been launched against him. In response, former UNGRD subdirector Sneyder Pinilla, currently serving a five-year prison sentence for his involvement in the scandal, sent a letter to the Attorney General’s Office stating he provided all evidence, including cell phone records, conversations, photographs, chats, contracts, and documents. Pinilla claimed he only knows Fernández through a recommendation from Olmedo López, who was then the legal secretary of the Presidency. He stated that Fernández was recommended to advise his boss after an investigation by the National Audit Office. Pinilla reiterated that he provided information to both the Attorney General and the Supreme Court regarding payments made to then-Senate President Iván Name and House Representative Andrés Calle.
Trends in executive training to achieve organisational success based on knowledge and the application of new tools
The article discusses current trends in executive education focused on organizational success through knowledge-based learning and the application of new tools, particularly emphasizing the role of artificial intelligence (AI). It highlights the need for leaders to develop skills that address changing environments, technological advancements, and economic transformations. The piece notes that over 80% of business schools globally have integrated AI into their programs, and nearly 90% of professionals use AI-driven tools to enhance their capabilities. It argues that effective executive training now combines personalized AI-driven approaches with human perspectives, coaching, and contextual understanding, positioning institutions that excel in human-AI collaboration as leaders in future-ready leadership development. Additionally, it underscores the importance of AI literacy as a foundational skill for executives navigating increasingly complex and technology-driven business landscapes.
Turn right in Latin America and the world: What the Brazilian elections reveal
The article discusses the outcome of Brazil's first round of presidential elections, where Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, received 47% of the votes compared to Lula da Silva's 45%. This result is seen as another setback for the global left, particularly highlighting a shift towards conservative and ultra-right forces in Latin America and beyond. The article notes that this trend aligns with similar movements in countries like Colombia, Chile, Peru, and Argentina, which have seen conservative gains. Professor Matías Franchini attributes Brazil's political shift to factors such as the growth of evangelical voters, frustration among middle and upper classes over social policies under previous leftist governments, and perceived corruption issues. He argues that Bolsonaro's movement has consolidated right-wing support while more moderate options have been marginalized. The article suggests that even if Lula wins, the overall political landscape remains conservative.
Fall in crime highlighted by Abelardo is real, but omits context
President Abelardo de la Espriella highlighted early security results from his administration, citing August crime statistics showing reductions in kidnappings, extortion, and massacres compared to August 2025. He specifically pointed to Barranquilla, where homicides, extortion, and thefts reportedly dropped significantly within 30 days. However, experts and fact-checking organizations like 'Detector de Mentiras' noted that these figures were preliminary and based on incomplete data from the Ministry of Defense. When updated by the National Police, the reported decreases were smaller: kidnappings fell by 58% (not 79%), extortion by 20% (not 62%), and massacres by 42% (not 58%). Additionally, some trends had already begun under former President Gustavo Petro, and August 2025 was an unusually high month for certain crimes. Experts caution that attributing significant change to a new government based on just one month’s data is premature.
La Silla responds to Carlos Suárez, chairman of the board of Ecopetrol
Carlos Suárez, president of Ecopetrol’s board of directors and a key strategist for President Abelardo de la Espriella, accused La Silla Vacía and its editor-in-chief, Juanita León, of conducting a personal campaign against him. He claimed the outlet has become a 'political actor' and warned that such actors receive political responses. In response, La Silla denied targeting individuals and emphasized that it investigates those in power and publishes verified information. The outlet noted that Suárez plays a significant role in the presidential campaign and his actions, relationships, and interests are under scrutiny. Suárez cited 74 articles published between December 2025 and October 2026 as evidence of this alleged campaign, but La Silla clarified that content distribution across multiple platforms does not imply falsehood or persecution. Additionally, La Silla addressed claims that a family linked to Juanita León received a $65 billion contract from Ecopetrol, clarifying that the payments were made by another company, which was sold in 2021.
Prosecutor's office asks to save economic emergency due to earthquake
The Colombian Attorney General’s Office has submitted a favorable opinion to the Constitutional Court regarding the economic emergency declared by President Abelardo de la Espriella following a magnitude 7.4 earthquake. The office argues that Decrees 1261 and 1348, which established and expanded the emergency, meet constitutional requirements because the event was unforeseen, sudden, and extraordinary, overwhelming the state’s capacity to respond. The Constitutional Court will review these decrees and may restrict or invalidate measures unrelated to the crisis, as occurred during the previous administration under Gustavo Petro. The Congress retains political oversight and can summon ministers to explain their actions. The emergency measures aim to mobilize resources, strengthen regions, and accelerate reconstruction through initiatives like the 'Milagro Fund,' expanded tax-based projects, and increased autonomy for local governments. Experts warn that recovery processes are long-term, often taking three to five years.
After two years, Abelardo revives the Joint Task Forces with Uranus
President Abelardo de la Espriella has reactivated the Joint Task Force Urano, which had been inactive for two years, to combat illegal hydrocarbon theft and armed groups such as the ELN and Clan del Golfo in the Cesar region. The force, now under Colonel Óscar Fernando Reyes, integrates capabilities from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, intelligence agencies, Judicial Police, and Prosecution. This move follows the previous decision by Defense Minister Iván Velásquez to disband similar task forces due to concerns over the actual joint capacities of the military. The reactivation has already led to the arrest of nine individuals linked to the ELN, including a known explosives expert involved in attacks against security installations between 2025 and 2026.
Sign up for this AI course and learn how to automate tasks
The article promotes an online course titled 'Cómo sacarle el jugo a la IA: del chatbot a las gemas,' which teaches professionals how to automate tasks using AI without requiring technical knowledge or programming skills. The course covers creating assistants, optimizing processes, and building solutions tailored to specific needs. It consists of four two-hour virtual sessions starting on October 13, 2026, with enrollment closing on October 8. The cost is $1.3 million including VAT, with classes available on Tuesdays or Thursdays. The article encourages interested individuals to register for the course.