Agustín Zambrana questions the lack of state policy on security

Agustín Zambrana, the first vice president of the pro-Santa Cruz Civic Committee, has sharply criticized the government's perceived absence of a concrete state policy to address rising security concerns. Zambrana highlighted the escalating violence in the region, which he linked to criminal gangs, and expressed dismay over the government's failure to convene the National Citizen Security Council as previously agreed.

During an interview, Zambrana lamented that the government had committed to calling the council, a body mandated by law, but had not done so three months later. He argued that superficial meetings were insufficient and demanded a clear, state-level policy outlining specific actions, timelines, and responsible parties. Zambrana stated, "We are getting used to counting deaths, counting injuries, counting violence, and not counting opportunities for our country, for that region."

Zambrana also pointed to the weakening of institutions such as the police and judiciary as a factor contributing to the increase in violence. He acknowledged that issues like cartels, lack of control, and police corruption were inherited problems from the previous MAS government. However, he criticized the current administration for not taking decisive action over the past nine months.

Despite his criticisms, Zambrana indicated that the Civic Committee would attend a potential meeting of the National Security Council, provided it presented a concrete work plan. He stressed that any such meeting must be "very, very direct, large" to allow for meaningful collaboration. The committee seeks to understand the proposed strategies to combat the escalating crime and violence.