Former Minister Cecilia López responded to the Minister of Agriculture after a controversial publication: You respect me!

On Sunday, June 28, 2026, former Agriculture Minister Cecilia López Montaño responded sharply to current Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Martha Carvajalino following a lengthy post published on Carvajalino’s X account. The exchange centered around the implementation of the agricultural reform initiated by President Gustavo Petro. In her response, López emphasized the need for respect and criticized what she described as irresponsible political rhetoric and manipulation of data. She accused Carvajalino of misleading farmers by using inflated figures to justify the government's actions.

The controversy began when Carvajalino posted a detailed message questioning the effectiveness of López’s tenure as minister during Petro’s administration. She highlighted the progress made under the current government regarding land distribution and the recognition of rights under the Peace Agreement signed in 2016. Carvajalino also referenced historical conflicts in the 1990s where paramilitary groups often targeted rural communities, taking their land. She challenged López to engage in a discussion about the numbers and the agricultural reform under Petro’s government.

In response, López took issue with the way Carvajalino presented the statistics, particularly the number of hectares delivered to farmers. She pointed out that while 142,589 hectares had been delivered definitively and 196,189 provisionally, only 87,602.5 of these were officially registered with the Office of Public Instruments Registration (ORIP). According to López, this discrepancy meant that many of the lands could potentially be reclaimed, which would be unjust to the farmers who received them. She argued that the government was inflating the numbers and that managing land does not equate to delivering it permanently.

López further criticized the approach taken during her time in office, stating that she did not authorize temporary land deliveries without proper registration because it was irresponsible toward the farming community. She claimed that the blame for losing such lands should fall on those who allowed the temporary delivery without formal documentation. Her comments were directed not only at Carvajalino but also at the broader policy decisions made by the current administration.

The debate over land reform has been a central topic since Petro came into power, aiming to address long-standing issues related to land ownership and rural inequality. The Peace Agreement of 2016 included provisions for implementing an agrarian regime, but its execution has faced challenges, including legal and administrative hurdles. The current government has sought to push forward with reforms, but critics argue that the process lacks clarity and transparency.

López’s criticism of the government’s handling of land distribution reflects a broader concern among some sectors about the potential risks associated with rapid land allocation without proper safeguards. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that the rights of farmers are protected and that the process of land delivery is both transparent and legally sound. Her remarks have sparked discussions within political circles and civil society about the effectiveness and fairness of the ongoing agricultural reforms.

Looking ahead, the situation highlights the tensions between different factions within the government regarding the pace and method of implementing the agricultural reform. While supporters of the current administration argue that progress has been made in addressing historical grievances and promoting rural development, opponents like López stress the need for caution and accountability. As debates continue, the focus will likely remain on how to balance the goals of land redistribution with the protection of property rights and the prevention of future disputes.