The polarization of the livestock sector and its mobilizations
The livestock sector has been the center of attention in Colombia in recent weeks, due to the mobilizations of the sector in April 2021. While the mobilizations are justified, many experts and citizens consider that these movements were politically motivated, with the aim of derailing the actions of President Iván Duque’s administration.
Reasons for the politicization
- The sector was already politicized and in the interest of organizations of the extreme right.
- Ideological positions with the government: suspicion of the administration of having liberal economic positions with the sector.
- The president’s inability to find a satisfactory solution that convinces both parties.
- The presence of powerful political voices, such as former President Alvaro Uribe.
Consequences of the politicization
- The citizenry suffers: Supply and prices of food products such as eggs or milk have risen and supply problems are evident in some parts of the country.
- Harmful to the process of peaceful settlement of the conflict: Political and electoral interests hinder the process of negotiation between the parties to reach a long-term pact.
- Increasing political polarization: The two parts, protesters and government, focus their efforts on addressing the grievances of the sector, but political agreements are not reached.
The sector’s mobilizations have become politicized, generating distrust between citizens and the government, as well as halting the attempts of political negotiation. The current government should continue working towards an agreement with the sector, while defending its liberal economic policies, in order to avoid any political conflicts that may lead to greater harm to the Colombian population.
