Centro Democrático defends Álvaro Uribe against socialist labels

The Centro Democrático party has issued a defense of former President Álvaro Uribe Vélez following ideological criticisms from Senator Enrique Gómez Martínez, president of Salvación Nacional. During an interview, Gómez characterized Uribe as a “socialist” or “social democrat,” arguing that there are fundamental ideological differences regarding the role of the State, tax management, and the growth of government bureaucracy.

In response, the Centro Democrático released data to contest these claims, asserting that Uribe advocated for a smaller State. The party cited his tenure as Governor of Antioquia, noting that the administrative workforce was reduced from approximately 17,000 to 5,000 employees. They also highlighted cost-cutting measures, such as reducing the official vehicle fleet and lowering expenditures on office and cafeteria supplies.

The dispute highlights internal friction within right-wing political sectors in Colombia, despite shared alignment under certain government programs.