The CEU CEFAS Institute of American Studies organized the webinar “Ibero-American Connection: Leadership for a Shared Future” featuring former Colombian president Álvaro Uribe. During the event, participants heard an analysis of Colombia’s political and economic situation, as well as its role in Ibero-America.

The former Colombian president began his remarks by stating that “at a time when the Spanish-speaking Americas are turning for the better, the greatest risk today is Colombia.” Uribe maintained that during his administration they advocated for a secure country grounded in democratic values, based on physical security, without restrictions on freedoms such as press freedom, and with legal and political certainty. In this regard, he was also self-critical of his presidency, noting: “we did not leave the country perfect, but we made progress.”

The Relationship Between the State and the Private Sector

Uribe also highlighted the importance of the economy for a country’s growth, stating that an alliance between the State and the private sector is needed to advance social solutions. “Without the private economy, social solutions do not move forward, and without social solutions it is very difficult to legitimize the private economy,” he said.

The Importance of a Small State

In this regard, the former president emphasized the need for individual entrepreneurship, not limited to foreign direct investment, but encouraged across the spectrum from small businesses to large companies. In contrast to twenty-first-century socialism, he argued for the need for a small and austere State in order to be more efficient and pragmatic.

The ‘Alliance’ for Venezuela’s Democratic Transition

During the Q&A session, attendees expressed interest in the country’s international relations, particularly the situation in Venezuela. Uribe explained that there is a broad coalition of “allied” countries that firmly oppose the Maduro regime and support a democratic transition in Venezuela, including Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, Argentina, and Chile, among others. Uribe also underscored the danger posed by drug trafficking and noted that it no longer requires international support, as it is already sufficiently enriched.