Medellín mayor and Antioquia governor comment on president-elect's urban security plan

President-elect Abelardo De la Espriella announced a significant initiative to bolster urban security, revealing plans to establish an "Urban Defense Block" effective August 7th. This new entity aims to implement decisive measures against the rising crime rates plaguing Colombia's major cities. De la Espriella is convening mayors from Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla, and Bucaramanga to tailor the security strategy to the specific needs of each urban center, vowing to end extortion, robbery, and homicide.

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The Urban Defense Block will be created to implement effective measures aligned with the needs of the most affected cities. I am convening the mayors of Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla, and Bucaramanga to create the largest urban security operation in Colombia based on their needs. No more extortion, robbery, and homicide in our homeland.

Medellín Mayor Federico Gutiérrez expressed strong support for the president-elect's plan, highlighting it as a decisive move towards ensuring public safety. "We are ready, President Abelardo De la Espriella. What a difference a president who wants security for the people makes, versus one who came to Medellín to hold rallies with criminals," Gutiérrez stated, drawing a clear distinction with previous administrations. He emphasized his commitment to ensuring citizens can live peacefully, asserting that only criminals should live in fear.

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We are ready, President Abelardo De la Espriella. What a difference a president who wants security for the people makes, versus one who came to Medellín to hold rallies with criminals.

Antioquia Governor Andrés Julián Rendón also welcomed the announcement, acknowledging the necessity of strengthening security in urban areas. However, Rendón proposed an expanded strategy that includes a special focus on territorial security in rural regions. He argued that a significant portion of homicides, approximately 70%, originate in rural areas, and that urban well-being cannot be achieved without addressing the factors driving violence in the countryside and disrupting illegal groups operating there.

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May our people live in peace! The only ones who should be afraid are the criminals.

Rendón further elaborated on the challenges faced in Antioquia, citing the "total peace" policy's unintended consequences, which he claims have led to a 70% increase in FARC presence and a 60% rise in the 'Clan del Golfo' group. He also pointed to the proliferation of coca cultivation, widespread extortion affecting farmers and businesses, and illicit mining as critical issues threatening the tranquility of numerous municipalities. The governor offered the support of his administration to present a case to the Constitutional Court regarding the urgency of these security matters.

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The decision to strengthen security in the country's main cities is a good one.