Economic associations mourn the death of Miguel Uribe and call for work toward a united country.

The country's economic organizations lamented the death of Democratic Center senator and presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay as a result of the attack he suffered in Bogotá two months ago, asserting that this incident is a "severe" blow to peace, democracy, and institutions.

Miguel Uribe was a senator for the Democratic Center. Photo: Senate Press
The National Association of Businessmen of Colombia (Andi) expressed its condolences and solidarity with his family and called for unity. "Today more than ever, we must unite as a society to raise our voices against violence, terrorism, and these acts that bring mourning and burden to our society ," said the association led by Bruce MacMaster.
The National Association of Public Service, ICT, and Television Companies (Andesco) stated that this irreparable loss has plunged Colombia into mourning and constitutes a "blow" to democracy, coexistence, and the right of all citizens to freely participate in the country's political life.
"We categorically reject any manifestation of violence that threatens the life, integrity, and freedom of political and social leaders, and the general public. In a state governed by the rule of law, differences must always be resolved through respect, institutionality, and dialogue, never through aggression," the union, led by Camilo Sánchez, stated.

Miguel Uribe passed away on August 11. Photo: Miguel Uribe Press
The president of the Fenalco merchants' union, Jaime Alberto Cabal, also strongly condemned this act, saying it not only took the life of a young, lucid, and courageous leader, but also constituted a direct "threat" to democracy, freedom of expression, and the right to legal political participation.
"This atrocious act highlights the dangerous degradation of public debate and the level of intolerance the country is experiencing. Silencing an opponent through violence is destroying the foundations of democratic coexistence," Cabal stated.
Likewise, the Colombian Mining Association (ACM) expressed its deep regret for the senator's passing. " He was distinguished by his integrity, commitment, and vocation for dialogue. He was a generous leader, always willing to listen, build consensus, and act with honesty and firmness in the various forums in which he participated. His legacy is reflected in his tireless defense of the law, institutions, and the country's security," the association stated.
For her part, the president of the Colombian-American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham Colombia), María Claudia Lacouture, said that Colombia needs to reaffirm its commitment to life, dialogue, and coexistence, unanimously rejecting all forms of violence. “ Today more than ever, let us honor his memory by working for a united country, at peace, and with strong institutions ,” she stated.
Frank Pearl, president of the Colombian Oil and Gas Association (ACP), asserted that we cannot allow Colombia to return to the days when thinking differently cost lives, when violence took parents from their children and left open wounds in our society. "Colombia needs respectful dialogue to find consensus on its fundamental issues, without room for violence or intolerance," he stated.

Miguel Uribe Turbay. Photo: El Tiempo Archive
On behalf of the 41 insurance companies operating in the country, the Colombian Federation of Insurers (Fasecolda) expressed its deepest condolences to his family, close friends, his party, and the Congress of the Republic.
"This irreparable loss constitutes a severe blow to peace, democracy, and institutions. We reiterate our call to the National Government, the competent authorities, and all the country's leading forces to include on their list of priorities the absolute rejection of political violence as a mechanism for resolving differences , especially in the context of the upcoming elections," said the union led by Gustavo Morales.
Asofondos also expressed their condolences. "We are with his family, friends, team, and colleagues on this sad day and express our heartfelt condolences. Senator Uribe's death is deeply saddened by all Colombians who yearn for a peaceful and prosperous country," the message read.
Meanwhile, from the agricultural sector, the Colombian Farmers' Society (SAC) said that this event constitutes an act of political violence that mourns Colombia and violates democratic principles.
eltiempo