Former senator and former member of the Centro Democrático Paola Holguín will be the Minister of Culture of Abelardo de la Espriella. This was announced by the president-elect with a post on his social media.
“Culture is the memory of a people, the expression of its identity, and one of the greatest strengths of Colombia before the world. That is why I present Paola Holguín as Minister of Culture of the Miracle Homeland,” said De La Espriella on his social media.
The president-elect framed the appointment within what some right-wing sectors have called the “cultural battle,” which is the supposed clash with left-wing sectors regarding artistic expressions and their content.
“A warrior woman from the province, who takes on the challenge of fighting the battle for the Nation so that Colombian talent, our artists, the creative industries, and the traditions that unite us occupy the place they deserve,” says the tweet announcing Holguín‘s arrival to the government.
The appointment comes at a time of heightened tension between uribismo and the incoming government over the Senate presidencies. Although at first it seemed like a gesture to ease tensions in the negotiations, it should also be noted that the former senator did not leave the Centro Democrático on the best terms after losing the internal consultation, in which Paloma Valencia was designated as the candidate.
On the other hand, with Holguín‘s arrival to the government, the possibility that she will run for the governorship of Antioquia is ruled out, one of the projects she had after not securing the Uribista nomination and not being able to return to Congress.
It is a surprising nomination, as she had not been mentioned among the potential candidates. Among those strongly considered were Daniela Cepeda Tarud, María Paz Gaviria, and Clemencia Vargas.
JUAN SEBASTIÁN LOMBO DELGADO
Political Editor