Ex-President Samper Calls for National Accord to Curb Polarization in Colombia

Former Colombian President Ernesto Samper has issued a strong appeal for national unity, urging political leaders and citizens to move beyond the deepening polarization that is currently gripping the country. In a statement released on June 30, 2026, Samper proposed the establishment of a "Great National Accord" as a means to bridge divides and address the pressing issues facing Colombia.

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I believe these are not times to talk about vindictive transitions or civil disobedience, even if peaceful, but to find, through a Great National Accord, everything that can unite us and find solutions that solutions that are waiting for Colombians.

Samper's call comes amidst heightened tensions during the transition period between the outgoing Gustavo Petro administration and the incoming government led by president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella. He specifically referenced recent public exchanges between the president-elect and Senator Iván Cepeda, as well as Cepeda's calls for civil disobedience. Samper characterized these actions as "vindictive transition" tactics, arguing that they are counterproductive to fostering a stable and unified nation.

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I observe 'with concern' both the denunciations made by Cepeda against De la Espriella and the criticisms of the president-elect against the management of the outgoing president, Gustavo Petro.

"I believe these are not times to talk about vindictive transitions or civil disobedience, even if peaceful, but to find, through a Great National Accord, everything that can unite us and find solutions that Colombians are waiting for," Samper stated. He observed "with concern" the ongoing disputes but firmly asserted that such controversies should be investigated and resolved by the Colombian judicial authorities, rather than being played out in the political arena.

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These controversies should be investigated, examined, and resolved by Colombian judicial authorities and not transferred to the political arena.

The former president emphasized the nation's need to shift from political confrontation towards building consensus. He invoked a football metaphor, hoping that the country's political discourse would not end in "penalty shootouts" like World Cup matches, but instead evolve into a "politics of coexistence" grounded in harmony. Samper's initiative seeks to redirect national energy towards constructive dialogue and collaborative problem-solving, aiming to strengthen Colombia's democracy and address citizen needs effectively.

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The country needs to move from political confrontation to building national agreements that allow us to respond to the needs of citizens and strengthen democracy.