Armando Benedetti revives his aspiration to the Mayor of Barranquilla and says that way 'yes I like'

Armando Benedetti, Colombia’s interior minister, has reignited his ambitions for the mayoralty of Barranquilla, expressing renewed interest in running for the city's leadership in the 2027 regional elections. The announcement came during a meeting held this Friday at the Casa Cultural La Perla, part of the Universidad Simón Bolívar, where Benedetti was questioned about his political future and his relationship with the newly elected president, Abelardo De la Espriella. Benedetti emphasized he would remain neutral in national politics but hinted at his focus on local governance. The statement comes less than a week before the presidential transition, adding another layer of complexity to the political landscape in Barranquilla. Benedetti, who has been a prominent figure in Colombian politics, has previously indicated his desire to lead the city, though he had conditioned such a move on support from the Pacto Histórico, a coalition of leftist parties. His comments suggest a strategic recalibration as he weighs his options ahead of the upcoming elections. During the event, Benedetti acknowledged the progress made under current mayor Alejandro Char, stating that the city has experienced notable development. However, he argued that Barranquilla must aim higher, positioning itself as a global hub rather than just a regional leader. “It’s time to put Barranquilla on the map so it becomes the first city in Colombia, the Caribbean,” he said, emphasizing his vision for the city’s future. This is not the first time Benedetti has publicly expressed his intent to run for mayor. Earlier this year, he discussed the possibility during meetings with party leaders, indicating his decision would depend on the coalition’s strategy leading up to the 2027 elections. In March, he reiterated his aspirations, highlighting both the achievements of the current administration and the need for further growth. His recent statements have been accompanied by digital engagement, including a video posted on his social media account where he outlined his plans for transforming Barranquilla into a model city for the international Caribbean. This message was interpreted by many as a prelude to a potential campaign, although Benedetti has yet to officially declare his candidacy or outline the specific path he will take to reach the mayoral position. Despite these signals, Benedetti has not formally announced his intentions to seek the mayoralty. He has chosen to keep his options open, maintaining a low profile while gauging political winds. His approach contrasts with more overt declarations from other candidates, suggesting a calculated strategy to build momentum over time. The political climate in Barranquilla is evolving rapidly, with multiple figures considering runs for office. Benedetti’s return to the conversation adds another dimension to the race, particularly given his national prominence and experience. His ability to navigate the delicate balance between supporting the new administration and pursuing local ambitions will be crucial in shaping his campaign. As the deadline for official candidate registration approaches, Benedetti’s stance remains fluid. While he has not ruled out a bid for the mayoralty, he has also not committed to it outright. His comments reflect a careful consideration of timing, strategy, and alignment with broader political goals. For now, the focus remains on his role as interior minister, but the groundwork for a potential mayoral campaign appears to be taking shape. With more than a year until the start of the electoral calendar, Benedetti’s next steps will likely involve deeper engagement with local stakeholders, assessing the viability of his platform, and aligning with key allies within the Pacto Histórico. His influence and visibility could prove decisive in shaping the dynamics of the upcoming election, even if his candidacy remains unofficial at this stage.