Colombia's first left-wing gov't has reduced poverty, but has pile of debt

Colombia’s next president faces the challenge of lowering national debt while preserving social gains. A key example is the zero tuition program launched in 2023, which covers up to 100% of tuition at public universities, targeting young people from middle- and lower-income families. Official data says it has benefited 870,000 students across 64 public institutions. Laura Espinel said she could not have afforded even a semester without the waiver, paying about $400 per year otherwise, while private tuition would be at least $3,000. The program is part of the social policies of Gustavo Petro’s left-wing administration, ending after four years. Candidates differ on whether to continue these policies and on economic and security priorities.

"Laura Espinel would not have been able to fulfill her dream of becoming an artist without the zero tuition programme launched in 2023 by Gustavo Petro's administration. The programme covers up to 100 percent of tuition costs at the country's public universities and is primarily aimed at young people from middle- and lower-income families. Since its launch, according to official data, it has benefitted 870,000 students at 64 public institutions."

"Without zero tuition, I might not have been able to study, because when I started school, my financial situation was quite precarious; I didn't have the resources to pay for a semester, not even at a public university, said Espinel. Without the tuition waiver, Laura could pay around $400 per year, and at a private university, it would be at least $3,000."

"The zero tuition programme is one of the numerous social policies promoted by Colombia's first left-wing government, that of Gustavo Petro, which is coming to an end after four years. On May 31, Colombia will elect a new president. The main candidates are two political opposites. Ivan Cepeda, a veteran left-wing congressman and member of the same party as Petro, wants to continue most of his policies, both social and economic."

"He supports continuing the transition to renewable energy and injecting capital into the Colombian countryside and small farmers so that it becomes a pillar of the country's economy, creating more jobs, increasing food production, and contributing to a commercial transition plan that aims to gradually shift capital towards the agricultural sector rather than extractive industries."

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