Daniel Palacios: The Rising Star of Colombian Politics
Daniel Palacios, the former Minister of the Interior in President Iván Duque’s government, has announced his candidacy for the presidential elections of 2026-2030. His campaign focuses on key issues like security and strengthening the Military Forces of Colombia.
In an interview with Infobae Colombia, Palacios elaborated on his motivations for entering the presidential race. “I am part of a generation that has been preparing and gaining experience, driven by a sense of national duty. We believe in public service, and given the critical situation facing our country, we cannot remain silent anymore,” stated Palacios.
He highlighted the alarming deterioration in security, infrastructure, housing, and healthcare under current leadership. Palacios expressed his belief that the nation is steeped in a “politics of hate, division, and stigmatization.” He emphasized that this is not a time to sit on the sidelines; rather, it is essential to take action to rescue Colombia.
“We have decided to put our experience, capacity, and conviction to serve the Colombian people,” he added.
During the interview, he addressed his decision to run as an independent candidate instead of relying on political party support. “This is a moment where the country needs conviction, coherence, and the ability to unite different political sectors. Those who think differently shouldn’t be enemies,” he remarked.
Palacios aims to create a broad coalition beyond traditional party lines, calling for a national dialogue that includes all Colombians who share his vision of a peaceful and prosperous nation.
Palacios was also asked about possible coalitions, specifically regarding the Centro Democrático party. “I have great respect for their process and the rules they have set for selecting their candidate,” he explained. However, he is keen on pursuing an independent path, reminiscent of how Uribe established his own movement years ago.
When questioned about those he would exclude from potential alliances, Palacios firmly stated, “We won’t align with anyone from the Petro administration or those supporting the ‘politics of love’ for criminals. Our coalition will focus on strengthening the rule of law.”
One of the major initiatives proposed by Palacios is the Consulta contra el Crimen , a public mandate designed to strengthen laws against crime. He argues that Colombians must decide what kind of nation they want: one that favors leniency for criminals or one that prioritizes public safety and justice.
“As of now, we are fighting a losing battle against crime, not just due to a lack of will but also due to insufficient tools. We have set up a series of proposals that the public can decide on through this consultation,” he asserted.
Palacios is keen to gather two million signatures in the next eight months to compel the national government to hold a vote on these proposals, emphasizing public participation as crucial in changing the legal framework pertaining to crime and justice.
As the political landscape evolves ahead of the 2026 elections, Palacios asserted that the current government has failed in providing adequate protection to Colombian citizens against violence and crime. “The so-called total peace has only empowered armed groups, leading to violence and chaos on our streets,” he lamented.
He also dismissed the government’s recent measures to enhance protection for candidates as insufficient, stressing that Colombians deserve better security against threats like kidnapping, extortion, and robbery.
In the context of drug policy, Palacios criticized the current approach, calling it a “pro-drug policy.” With Colombia witnessing an increase in coca plantations, he believes in restoring effective measures, including aerial spraying, to combat drug production sustainably.
Furthermore, Palacios commented on Colombia’s international relations, specifically with the United States and Israel . He criticized current diplomatic ties as ideologically driven rather than focused on economic and security interests. He pledged to restore strong bilateral relations, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts against drug trafficking.
In summary, Palacios’s campaign is characterized by a strong emphasis on law and order, public safety, and effective governance. By rallying support from everyday Colombians and fostering a united front against crime, Palacios seeks to transform Colombia’s political landscape in the upcoming elections. As new issues emerge, his ability to connect with the public and present clear solutions will determine his success in the political arena.