00:00The four years of President Gustavo Petro were marked by several achievements thanks to reforms implemented during his government,
00:06such as the increase in minimum wage.
00:08With the elections just days away, let's take a look at some important details.
00:12Our correspondent, Hernando Bar, with all of them.
00:17Four years of the first progressive government have come to an end,
00:21and important changes were made in economic matters that allowed poverty, inflation, and unemployment to be reduced.
00:27This was achieved despite the opposition's efforts to boycott the reforms promoted by Gustavo Petro.
00:34The country reached a historically lowered in the rate of monetary poverty,
00:37which measures access to the basic basket, in 2024, when this indicator fell to 31.8%, the lowest since 2014.
00:47The decline in multidimensional poverty, which measures access to services, also continued in 2025,
00:54falling to 9.9% from 11.5% in 2024, representing the exit of at least 793,000 people
01:04from this condition.
01:05This is possible thanks to a social and economic policy that has put redistribution of wealth
01:14at the center of efforts to overcome the inequality gaps that greatly affect social and economic development in Colombia.
01:25For the first time in the country's history, the minimum wage increased in real terms, surpassing inflation.
01:32The adjustment fixed by presidential decree at 23% for 2026 determined the remuneration at approximately 466 U.S. dollars,
01:43plus a transport subsidy.
01:47It is a race that should be valued, not only for the worth of goods, but also for the satisfaction
01:52of the whole family.
01:53This had never been done in Colombia before, and only this year was the race made with criteria of a
01:58vital salary, increasing by 23%.
02:01It is important because it strengthens the position of workers, increases their income, and that of their families,
02:07and will undoubtedly lead to greater consumption in Colombia's households.
02:11Despite warnings from some critics about a possible inflationary surge following the wage increase,
02:17annual inflation in April 2026, for example, remained stable at 5.68%, thus protecting purchasing power, according to the government.
02:27The increase in the price of some foods, which has led to inflationary pressure, is due to climatic factors
02:34and the rising cost of production inputs, such as fertilizers, and not to the minimum wage.
02:46Controlled inflation means stable prices, which benefits everyone, as it allows us to buy things at the same price.
02:55However, you need money in your pocket to be able to buy things.
03:00Therefore, unlike what is happening in Argentina, for example, where salaries are being cut, and the labor market is being
03:11made as flexible as possible, generating hunger and misery,
03:16the Colombian government has increased the minimum wage.
03:22This means that those who receive it have more money in their pockets, or that they can spend and, therefore,
03:31improve their well-being.
03:39According to analysts, the decline on unemployment in Colombia from 10.6% in 2022 to 8.2% and
03:488.8% between 2025 and 2026
03:52is due to the re-activation and creation of jobs in the strategic sectors, such as manufacturing, construction, transport, and
04:01the public sector.
04:03We are seeing that policies, which were previously thought to be unworkable due to their lack of effectiveness, are now
04:09producing the desired results.
04:11Increasing salaries is good because it reduces unemployment and stimulates the economy, therefore.
04:16Colombia should be a kind of laboratory to see what this risk represents, more job opportunities for people, better quality
04:23jobs, and better paid jobs.
04:29Among the achievements of the current government, it paid off the total debt with the IMF, which amounted to $8
04:35billion,
04:36implemented a policy of reducing legislative privileges, and strengthening the currency.
04:41Around $1.09 billion in financing for leasing, modernization, and productive investment was granted to 63,000 small businesses.
04:53Hernán Darío Tobar Gaitán, Telesur, Bogotá, Colombia.
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