The crisis in Colombia reflects a landscape where economics, politics, and violence intersect daily.
Looking at Colombia's current situation is like peering from a balcony where several storms are colliding at once. On one side, a relentless political crisis, with a government at the center of controversy; on the other, an economy walking a tightrope, sending contradictory signals that have more than a few people on edge. And in the background, like a music that never stops, are structural violence and a social debt that seems unpayable. This is not a scenario for the faint of heart, and every piece of news that comes to light seems like a new piece in this complex and, at times, bleak puzzle.
Crisis in Colombia: Economy between the official narrative and reality
Gustavo Petro's government shook things up with a high-risk move: renouncing the International Monetary Fund . The Casa de Nariño government is touting it as a gesture of sovereignty and strength, leveraged by supposedly robust international reserves. However, for many analysts and opponents, the decision is a leap into the dark, a move that leaves the country more exposed to the ups and downs of the global market. The phrase "one step away from the abyss" resonates in the economic corridors, generating uncertainty the country did not need.
This decision, far from being an isolated incident, is part of an economic context that is a veritable roller coaster. While the Minister of Finance is already beginning to calculate the minimum wage increase for 2026, one fact is shocking: the economy is on red alert. It is estimated that every half hour a family or business declares bankruptcy. This brutal statistic clashes head-on with official optimism and paints a picture of fragility that directly affects ordinary workers. In this sea of gloom, there is a small bit of good news for the wallet: credit card users will see a drop in interest rates, a minimal relief in the midst of the perfect storm.
Politically, the crisis in Colombia deepens institutional polarization.
Crisis in Colombia: The economy between official discourse and harsh reality
If the economy is a mess, politics is no exception. Petro's administration seems to be in a state of permanent confrontation, both internally and externally. The latest scandal, the revocation of his US visa, was the perfect excuse for the opposition to sharpen its criticism. Former President César Gaviria didn't mince words, declaring that the episode "reveals the international isolation to which he is leading the country." The diplomacy of tweets and direct confrontation seem to be taking its toll on the president, who in turn misses no opportunity to blame his predecessors, as he did with Iván Duque regarding the IMF debt.
The political temperature is also rising on the judicial front. The conviction of Diego Cadena, Álvaro Uribe's former lawyer, has rekindled one of the most emblematic cases of Colombian polarization. Cadena's defense team speaks of "ideological hatred," a phrase that perfectly encapsulates the level of fracture that society and its institutions are experiencing. Meanwhile, the government continues to generate controversy with its appointments. The appointment of Laura Sarabia, a central figure in several controversies, as ambassador to the United Kingdom—her fifth post in the administration—fuels accusations of cronyism and an increasingly closed and contested circle of power.
Deep Colombia: abandonment, violence, and state neglect
Far from the offices of Bogotá, the daily reality of many Colombians is far harsher. The violence, far from abating, is mutating, demonstrating the alarming capabilities of criminal groups. The emergence of the "Mocromafia," a network with international ties and the participation of local drug traffickers, is a reminder that organized crime is a monster with a thousand heads. In Tumaco, the image of alias "Uriel" leading a party with narcocorridos, gunfire, and the presence of the local mayor is a snapshot of the chaos and collusion between illegal and, at times, legal powers.
But violence isn't just the violence of bullets. It's also the violence of neglect. The case of a farmer who, after a chainsaw accident, has been waiting for more than ten days for the Nueva EPS (New Health Insurance Company) to authorize surgery so he won't lose his arm is a heartbreaking reflection of a collapsed and dehumanized health system. It's the cruelest face of a state that fails at the most basic levels. Added to this are stories like that of the Colmenares family, who are suing the National Protection Unit for irregularities, raising further doubts about the institutions' ability to care for their citizens.
Football and showbiz: the necessary escape
Amid this dense panorama, people seek refuge in whatever they can. Football, as always, acts as a catalyst for passion and momentary forgetfulness. The unveiling of the national team's new jersey for the 2026 World Cup generates a collective hope, a moment of unity in a divided country. The comings and goings of figures like James Rodríguez or the dramas of local teams occupy hours of debate, diverting attention from more pressing issues.
Entertainment and culture also offer their share of escapism. The announcement of Miguel Bosé's return to Medellín or the controversies of influencers like Aida Victoria Merlano generate a media noise that, for a while, drowns out the sound of empty pots and pans and sirens. They are two sides of the same coin: a country that suffers and bleeds, but also sings, dances, and dreams of a last-minute goal.
In short, the crisis in Colombia will continue to dominate the agenda until there are clear signs of stabilization.
In short, Colombia is at a permanent crossroads. Decisions made at the highest levels of power have an immediate and sometimes devastating impact on the streets, in the countryside, and in the lives of ordinary people. The challenge remains the same as always: to build a national project that bridges the gaps, that offers something more than polarization and broken promises. For now, everyday life is a battle, and the future is an open question with an answer no one dares to give.
