Latest News

Colombia’s Petro Defies Court Suspension of Minimum Wage Hike

By The City Paper Staff - February 16, 2026

Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Sunday mounted a forceful defence of his government’s 23.7% minimum wage increase for 2026, pledging to issue a temporary decree to keep the so-called “vital wage” in place after the Council of State provisionally suspended the original measure. Speaking in a televised address on Feb. 15, Petro said that while […]

Federal Jury Awards Drummond $256 Million in Colombia Defamation Case

By The City Paper Staff - January 19, 2026

A federal jury in the United States has awarded coal producer Drummond Company Inc. $256 million after finding that a prominent human-rights attorney and his associates orchestrated a campaign of false accusations linking the company to paramilitary violence in Colombia. The verdict, delivered on January 15 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District […]

Colombian coffee culture is more about the experience than the drink.

Colombia’s 23.7% Minimum Wage Hike, Stirs Inflation and Informality Fears

By The City Paper Staff - January 2, 2026

Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Monday decreed a 23.7% increase in the country’s minimum wage for 2026, the largest real rise in at least two decades, bypassing negotiations with unions and business groups and sparking warnings from economists, bankers and employers over inflation, job losses and rising informality. The decree lifts the monthly minimum wage […]

Colombian Politicians React to Trump’s Tariff Threat and Aid Suspension

By Richard Emblin - October 20, 2025

U.S President Donald Trump triggered a political firestorm in Colombia after announcing on his social media platform – Truth Social – the immediate suspension of all financial aid and imposition of punitive tariffs on Colombian exports. The decision came after he branded President Gustavo Petro an “illegal drug leader.” Trump’s extraordinary statements mark one of […]

Trump Calls Colombia’s Petro an “Illegal Drug Leader,” Halts U.S. Aid

By The City Paper Staff - October 19, 2025

In an extraordinary escalation that threatens to end decades of strategic partnership, U.S. President Donald J. Trump on Sunday labeled Colombian President Gustavo Petro an “illegal drug leader” and announced the immediate suspension of U.S. financial aid to Colombia. Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida and posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump accused […]

Canada’s Mark Carney leads Liberals to fourth term in historic vote

By The Conversation - April 29, 2025

Mark Carney secured a fourth term for Canada’s Liberal Party after winning a historic election on April 28. The election has polarized Canada’s political landscape after months of threats from U.S President Donald Trump to declare Canada as a 51st States.

IMF Suspends Colombia’s $9.8bn Credit Line over fiscal concerns

By The City Paper Staff - April 28, 2025

The IMF has suspended Colombia’s $9.8bn credit line, citing rising public debt and fiscal risk. President Petro responded with a personal attack on IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva, sparking political backlash. Analysts warn the move could hurt investor confidence and raise borrowing costs amid global financial uncertainty.

Trump Tariffs: A looming crisis for Colombian farmers and women workers

By Richard Emblin - March 4, 2025

U.S. tariffs on Colombian agricultural exports, including coffee and flowers, threaten thousands of jobs, particularly for women in rural areas. The peso faces devaluation, and China may seize the opportunity to expand its influence as Colombia seeks alternative trade partners.

Colombia’s tourism sector faces security challenges amid ANATO’s 44th edition

By Richard Emblin - February 27, 2025

Colombia’s ANATO tourism fair opens amid security concerns and President Petro’s no show during the opening cereomony. Industry leaders emphasized tourism’s economic importance, while Bogotá, Barranquilla and Santa Marta showcase growth, sustainability, and international partnerships to boost the country’s global standing.

Colombia’s business sector gloomy of economic outlook under Petro

By Richard Emblin - September 30, 2024

Over 60% of Colombian business owners are contemplating relocating abroad due to economic instability under President Gustavo Petro, a Fenalco survey reveals. High interest rates, rising inflation, and security concerns have worsened the business climate, with leaders urging clearer economic policies for recovery.

Colombian Court halts Uchuva-2 gas well raising concerns over energy security

By The City Paper Staff - September 16, 2024

A Colombian court has ordered the suspension of operations at the Uchuva-2 offshore natural gas well in the Caribbean. The Uchuva-2, part of the Tayrona block, is critical for Colombia’s energy security.

Global uncertainty is affecting the emerging markets.

Foreign Direct Investment in Colombia plunges 28% in the first half of 2024

By The City Paper Staff - September 4, 2024

Colombia’s foreign direct investment fell by 28% to USD 6.7 billion in the first half of 2024. The decline reflects growing economic and security challenges, including recent attacks on energy infrastructure. The data was released by the Central Bank.

Colombia impacted by nationwide transport strike over diesel price hike

By The City Paper Staff - September 3, 2024

A nationwide transport strike in Colombia has paralyzed key routes and stranded travelers, following the government’s sudden diesel price hike. Major disruptions hit Bogotá and four departments, with blockades and protests escalating. Transport Minister María Constanza García called for emergency talks amid rising concerns over food distribution and mobility.

Colombia’s Jet Fuel shortage leads to widespread flight cancellations

By The City Paper Staff - August 26, 2024

Colombia faces widespread flight cancellations as a jet fuel shortage, triggered by a refinery failure, impacts major airports across the country. Ecopetrol announced addtional A1 supplies will be delivered to aiports nationwide.

Colombia’s Ecopetrol profits dive during first half of 2024

By The City Paper Staff - August 14, 2024

Ecopetrol’s profits fell by 24% in the first half of 2024 due to lower oil prices and unfavorable exchange rates, marking the third consecutive quarter of declining earnings. The company is exploring strategic options amid domestic and global challenges, including potential natural gas imports from Venezuela.

President Gustavo Petro in San Andrés on the day of the kidnapping of 79 Colombian policemen. Photo: Presidencia

U.S. Investment Climate Report highlights challenges to Colombia’s Economy

By The City Paper Staff - July 18, 2024

The U.S. Department of State’s 2024 Investment Climate report highlights rising uncertainty for investors in Colombia under President Gustavo Petro, with economic growth slowing to 0.6% in 2023 due to decreased investment and high-interest rates.