Colombian Politicians Face Scrutiny for Para-Politics Scandal

By Thayer Hardwick
May 8, 2007

Event: Understanding Colombia's Para-Politics Scandal: Domestic and International Implications
Featuring: Antonio Navarro, General Secretary of the Polo Democrático Alternativo; Rafael Nieto, Columnist for Semana; Rafael Pardo, Liberal Party National Leadership Board; Rodrigo Pardo, Editor of Semana; and Marta Lucía Ramírez, Senator from Partido de la U.

The revelation of ties between Colombia's paramilitary groups and members of its Congress and other government officials-known as the "para-politics scandal"-has been detrimental to the image of Colombian politicians. In fact, politicians have been held more strictly accountable than the paramilitaries themselves.

Rodrigo Pardo, editor of the weekly Semana, shared the outcome of a poll commissioned by his magazine in April. The poll found that 78 percent of Colombians surveyed believe that congressional pacts with the paramilitaries are "unpardonable." Though Colombians demonstrate support for Uribe, with a majority of those surveyed agreeing that Colombia is headed "in the right direction," the public broadly condemns government collaboration with paramilitaries.

Surprisingly, the results also showed that "there is a level of tolerance for the paramilitaries," according to Rodrigo Pardo. He added that although the public still condemns the violence, "there is some sense of justification."

Among the panelists, no one defended or excused the actions of the paramilitiaries, who have been blamed for vast human rights abuses in their killings of peasants and other guerrilla sympathizers. Antonio Navarro argued that the crimes of the paramilitaries were "massacres of civilians" and not "an operation of war." Rafael Nieto, a columnist for Semana, reiterated that "the crimes of the paramilitaries are unpardonable."

Despite the scandal and its implications for further corruption, Marta Lucía Ramírez, a Partido de la U senator, emphasized the trust that the Colombian people place in their government and their judicial system. She added, however, that Colombians "do not want impunity," and urged the United States to continue its programs of military and financial support. Improved security is linked to a stronger economy, she attested.

Rafael Nieto agreed with Ramírez, who pushed for passage of the free trade agreement between Colombia and the United States. "The FTA is vital for Colombia, absolutely vital," Nieto said. The proposed treaty is currently stalled in the U.S. Congress.

At the moment, the majority of the aid entering Colombia is supplied through Plan Colombia, the U.S. legislation aimed at countering drug-trafficking and fighting guerrillas, who continue to control parts of the country. According to Rafael Pardo, former senator and defense minister, Plan Colombia "has been positive for Colombia," particularly in the program's first three years. But he insisted that the legislation is now in pressing need of revision. "To continue [to implement Plan Colombia] without revisions is an error," he said.