José Manuel Restrepo, candidate for the Vice Presidency and Abelardo de la Espriella’s ticket, highlighted the results obtained by his campaign in the first presidential round and assured that a new political stage is beginning focused on consolidating a proposal based on democracy, institutions and opportunities for Colombians.
The leader affirmed that the more than 10.3 million votes obtained represent the support of citizens who believe in freedom, institutional trust and the country’s ability to overcome its economic and social challenges.
According to statements delivered to Week MagazineRestrepo thanked the support received at the polls and assured that the vote achieved constitutes an extraordinary result for a candidacy that, as he indicated, was born from citizen conviction and not from the traditional structures of political power.
The former minister pointed out that the campaign is now entering a decisive phase with a view to the second presidential round and called on citizens to continue supporting the proposal that he is leading together with Abelardo de la Espriella.
“We call on all Colombians who want a country with hope, opportunities and respect for the rules of the game,” said the vice-presidential candidate, quoted by Week Magazine.
During his speech, Restrepo stated that one of the main commitments of the campaign is the defense of democracy and the strengthening of institutions.
The candidate assured that they will seek to protect the economy, strengthen citizen confidence and guarantee better conditions for the most vulnerable sectors of the country.
In his opinion, Colombia needs to regain optimism and move towards a model that generates opportunities for the population, boosts economic growth and allows for the consolidation of scenarios of social stability.
Restrepo highlighted that the presidential formula that he integrates with Abelardo de la Espriella represents a vision focused on hope and confidence in the abilities of Colombians to build a better future.
Likewise, he stated that the electoral result demonstrates that there is a large sector of citizens willing to support a political alternative that promotes development, employment and institutional strengthening.
The vice presidential candidate also assured that one of the main challenges will be to confront what he considers threats to democracy and the country’s economic model.
In that sense, he maintained that the campaign will continue defending the existence of institutional checks and balances, as well as the need to preserve legal and economic stability.
Restrepo explained that an important part of his proposals is focused on strengthening programs aimed at vulnerable populations.
Among the prioritized sectors, he mentioned young people, the elderly, women victims of violence, farmers, workers and pensioners.
Regarding young people, he indicated that they will seek to promote education and training programs that will generate greater opportunities for those who currently do not study or work.
He also pointed out the need to strengthen support mechanisms for older adults, especially those who face conditions of vulnerability or economic difficulties.
In terms of social protection, he stated that actions will be promoted aimed at supporting women who suffer different types of violence, including physical, psychological and sexual attacks.
Restrepo added that farmers will have a relevant role within the government agenda, due to their contribution to the country’s productive development and the need to strengthen the conditions for rural work.
Likewise, he highlighted the importance of guaranteeing security and stability to pensioners, as well as recognizing the role of workers in national economic growth.
The vice-presidential candidate reiterated that the campaign will face the coming weeks with optimism and with the purpose of expanding the support bases obtained during the first round.
Restrepo assured that the political project he represents will seek to build consensus around economic growth, social strengthening and the defense of democratic institutions.
According to him, the central commitment consists of multiplying opportunities for the most vulnerable sectors and strengthening the State’s capacity to respond to the needs of citizens.
The leader concluded by pointing out that the country faces an important decision in the second presidential round and maintained that they will continue working to present a proposal based on hope, trust and the economic and social development of Colombia.
