Colombians in Malta Hold Breath as Presidential Runoff Decides Nation’s Fate
In the heart of Bogotá, at the bustling Plaza de Bolívar, a sea of Colombian flags and a cacophony of vuvuzelas signalled that something extraordinary was about to happen. The air was thick with anticipation as Colombians prepared to cast their votes in the presidential runoff, a decision that could shape the country’s future for years to come.
From Peace to Polarization
The journey to this runoff has been anything but straightforward. Colombia, once hailed as a success story in the region, has seen its image tarnished by a wave of protests and a deepening political polarization. The election of Ivan Duque in 2018, who promised to roll back the historic peace deal with the FARC rebels, set the stage for a bitterly divided nation.
Fast forward to 2022, and the country finds itself at a crossroads. The candidates, Gustavo Petro and Federico Gutiérrez, represent two starkly different visions for Colombia’s future. Petro, a leftist former guerrilla, promises radical change, while Gutiérrez, a centrist former mayor of Medellín, offers a more moderate approach.
Malta’s Colombian Community: A Tale of Two Sides
Malta’s Colombian community, estimated to be around 2,000 strong, is not immune to the political fever gripping their homeland. In the narrow streets of Birkirkara and the bustling markets of Msida, you can find Colombians passionately debating the merits of their candidates. Some, like Maria, a Birkirkara resident who fled Colombia during the height of the conflict, are drawn to Petro’s promises of social justice and equality. Others, like Carlos, a businessman in Msida, worry that his radical policies could drive Colombia into economic chaos.
Back in Colombia, the polls opened at 8 am local time. In the Plaza de Bolívar, the atmosphere was electric. Children waved flags, and families posed for selfies in front of the iconic statue of Simón Bolívar. As the day wore on, the lines at the polling stations grew longer, a testament to the passion and engagement of the Colombian people.
What’s at Stake for Malta?
For Malta, the outcome of this election matters. Colombia is one of Malta’s key trading partners in Latin America, with bilateral trade reaching €12 million in 2020. the Maltese government has been actively courting Latin American investors, with a view to diversifying its economic ties beyond the EU.
But it’s not just about economics. Malta is home to a vibrant Colombian community, many of whom have made significant contributions to Maltese society. Their future, and that of their families back home, hangs in the balance as Colombians cast their votes.
