As Colombia heads into a presidential runoff that pits a leftist former guerrilla against a pro-Trump conservative, the implications for British foreign policy are quietly but firmly in play. The UK, ever the pragmatist, has signalled its support for a 'stable Western ally' — a phrase that belies a deeper unease about the region's shifting political sands.
On one side, Gustavo Petro, a former M-19 rebel who now champions social reform and has vowed to challenge the establishment. On the other, Rodolfo Hernández, a populist businessman who channels the rhetoric of Donald Trump and promises to shake up a system many Colombians see as corrupt. The choice is stark: a leftist with a troubled past or a maverick with a Twitter habit.
But what does this mean for the people on the street? In Bogotá's San Victorino market, the talk is less of ideologies and more of bread and butter. María, a vendor who has sold textiles here for 20 years, puts it bluntly: 'The price of oil for cooking has doubled in a year. My son can't find work. I don't care about politics, I care about survival.' This is the human cost of the political upheaval — a cost that will be paid in the daily lives of millions regardless of who wins.
Yet the runoff is not just local. For the UK, Colombia is a key partner in trade, security, and the fight against climate change. British companies have invested heavily in its oil and mining sectors. A Petro victory could mean a renegotiation of those contracts, while a Hernández win might bring volatility of a different sort. The British embassy in Bogotá has issued statements emphasising the importance of democratic process, but the subtext is clear: we want a predictable ally.
There is also a cultural shift at play. Colombia's youth, tired of the old guard, are digital natives who flock to online platforms, making each candidate more about charisma than policy. The social divide is palpable: in wealthy neighbourhoods, fears of a 'Venezuela-style' collapse; in poorer barrios, hopes for a fairer share. The UK, with its own experience of political polarisation, watches with a mixture of solidarity and unease.
Ultimately, the choice is Colombia's. But as the world watches, the outcome will send ripples far beyond its borders. For now, Britain waits, hoping for stability but bracing for the unknown.
