The president of ANDI warns about the economic challenges, the crisis in the health sector and the increase in insecurity in Colombia.
The president of the National Association of Businessmen of Colombia (Andi), Bruce Mac Masterpointed out some economic determinants with which 2024 closes and the challenges that will need to be faced in 2025.
In the first instance, he mentioned the reduction of inflation. It should be noted that, according to the forecasts of the economic sectors, a monthly variation of 0.47% is projected, which would lead to annual inflation closing 2024 at 5.2%, stable compared to November and above the previous forecast. of 5.0%.
The anticipation of the exchange rate effect on inflation and a greater than expected increase in the electricity CPI explain this adjustment in the projections. Regulated services and goods would register decreases in their annual inflation, while goods and food would show an acceleration.
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On the other hand, Mac Master reiterated the crisis in the health sector and expressed concern about the structural financing problems in the health reform currently being debated in Congress. According to him, the proposal would generate unsustainable costs for the health system in the coming years. “During the next few years, 160 billion pesos will be required that are not accounted for or provided for in public finances,” he stated.
He also warned that, if the project is approved as proposed, the viability of key players in the sector, such as hospitals, clinics, laboratories, suppliers and medical personnel, would be put at risk. The leader added that these would depend on “a system that will not be sustainable.”
Likewise, Mac Master presented a balance of the Security Observatory, which compiles the main indicators of violence and crime in the country until November 2024.. The analysis reveals an increasing trend in crimes such as extortion, homicide and kidnapping.
In his speech, he stressed: “The crime that has increased the most during the last year is extortion, with a growth of 21% as of November of this year”. In addition, he warned that this figure could be even higher due to the low level of reporting of this type of crime.
Mac Master called for implementing specific strategies to face these challenges. “It is essential that national authorities adopt a comprehensive security strategy that prioritizes the prevention and combating of extortion in urban environments,” he stated, highlighting the need for “targeted operations and programs to strengthen local capacities.” to dismantle criminal networks.
Among the key determinants for 2025, Mac Master added widespread disorder and lack of control in the public administration functions of the national government. He also mentioned that the legislative reforms, processed through clientelism, generate great uncertainty in the country’s economic sectors. In addition, he pointed out the existing doubts about energy security and the complex situation of public finances.
Finally, the union leader highlighted two important political facts for 2025:
- It’s an election year.
- The Trump administration is expected to return to the US government.
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Mac Master concluded by highlighting the need for stability, planning and open dialogue between the public and private sectors to successfully face the economic, social and political challenges of the coming year.
Source: Integrated Information System
