José Manuel Restrepo, vice-président élu: L'indépendance n'est pas une conquête du passé, mais une responsabilité permanente

On July 20, Vice President-elect José Manuel Restrepo made a public statement on social media during the commemoration of Independence Day, emphasizing the ongoing responsibility of preserving national independence. In a post on X, he stated, “Independence is not a conquest of the past, but a permanent responsibility.” He urged citizens to honor the legacy of their heroes by defending institutions, respecting the law, and protecting the values that sustain Colombia. “Our ancestors achieved our freedom 216 years ago,” he said. “It is our generation’s duty to preserve this freedom by defending democracy, safeguarding institutions, ensuring the rule of law, and guaranteeing freedoms for all citizens.” Restrepo further highlighted the importance of maintaining independence as a foundation for building a stronger nation. “Today, we reaffirm our commitment alongside President @ABDELAESPRIELLA to a free, sovereign, and powerful country,” he added. “Only by preserving our independence can we construct the ‘miracle country’ we dream of for future generations.” In addition to his remarks on national identity, Restrepo addressed the role of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in supporting the transition between the administration of President Gustavo Petro and the incoming government led by President-elect Abelardo De La Espriella. He explained that the IDB has committed to providing $63 million in non-repayable technical cooperation and active funding to assist with key initiatives. “This financial support will enable Colombia to access the expertise and experience of the Bank’s specialists during the early months of the new government,” Restrepo noted. The funds would be used to design the National Development Plan, structure strategic projects, and strengthen the capacity of the state, laying the groundwork for reforms and investments that will shape the country’s direction over the coming years. The IDB released a statement confirming its commitment to supporting the new government through a platform of technical cooperation and a portfolio of approved projects. This includes both already approved operations and pending disbursements aimed at benefiting Colombian society. The bank emphasized that these resources will not add to Colombia’s debt burden, allowing the country to leverage international expertise without financial strain. Restrepo clarified that the collaboration began shortly after President-elect De La Espriella met with IDB President Ilan Goldfajn. Their discussions laid the foundation for a strategic alliance focused on achieving the goals of the “miracle country” vision. During a recent meeting in Washington, they solidified the framework for this partnership, which aims to provide immediate and long-term benefits to the nation. The announcement came following the release of the IDB’s official communication detailing the approved and pending projects for Colombia. These include infrastructure, education, health, and environmental sustainability programs designed to promote inclusive growth and resilience. The IDB’s involvement underscores the international community’s confidence in Colombia’s ability to implement transformative policies while maintaining fiscal discipline. As the new administration prepares to take office, the support from the IDB represents a crucial step toward fulfilling the ambitious agenda outlined by the president-elect. With the backing of multilateral institutions, Colombia stands poised to address pressing challenges and build a more equitable and prosperous future for its citizens.