In the program *Pending Conversations*, statistician and director of Cifras y Conceptos, César Caballero, evaluated the use of data and surveys as instruments of power in Colombia and analyzed the administration of President Gustavo Petro. Caballero emphasized that between August 2022 and today, more than 2.2 million jobs have been created, which has contributed to reducing monetary poverty and inequality, with the Gini coefficient declining for the first time in decades.
He emphasized that agricultural GDP has grown above total GDP for two consecutive years, breaking a trend of more than three decades, and that this growth could strengthen the electoral base of progressivism in the rural sector. He also highlighted the decision to end the gasoline subsidy and move forward with eliminating the diesel subsidy, as well as the approval of key reforms such as the tax and pension reforms, and the ratification of the Escazú Agreement, when the Executive branch promoted broad agreements.
Caballero considered that these achievements should be better communicated by the government, but warned that serious problems persist in the health reform due to a lack of negotiation and deficiencies in implementation, which could lead to the collapse of the system. He also noted that the president has broken ties with political sectors and that there is a lack of control over the Casa de Nariño (Narino House of Representatives), ministries, and entities.
The analyst maintained that, although there is resistance from some business and political sectors, there has also been a willingness from others to reach agreements, citing examples of cooperation on infrastructure and water supply projects. He reiterated that the Executive's legislative success depends on maintaining consensus and avoiding internal polarization.
In his assessment, Caballero expressed optimism about the social changes underway and believed that Colombia needed a government with the characteristics of the current one, although he questioned the president's relinquishment of certain governing duties. He urged efforts to be focused on consolidating the economic and social progress achieved during his two and a half years in office.