Colombia’s Green Party may support President Juan Manuel Santos in his 2014 reelection bid.
Following a meeting with Santos Wednesday, party officials revealed that they would consider endorsing the head of state as soon as he agreed to participate in a debate with other candidates. Their announcement did not signal the Green Party’s immediate or unconditional support for Santos, nor the policies of his administration, a statement from party founder Luis Eduardo Garzon noted.
“The terrorist acts of recent days, and the threats to the institution, mean we must support the head of state and help shield him from extremist threats,” the statement said. “Intolerance and violence cannot divide us.”
The Bogota bombing which claimed two lives on May 15 prompted criticism from government critics and military officials. It was revealed Friday that retired army officers mentioned overthrowing Santos in a series of scathing emails. Army commander General Alejandro Navas pledged support for Colombia’s leader Wednesday.
The Green Party, which currently holds eight congressional seats, emerged as a political force in 2010 when their presidential candidate, Antanas Mockus garnered 28% in the final round of voting, finishing a distant second to Santos. The centrist party joined Santos’ majority coalition in Congress in 2011.
