The president's recent statements Gustavo Petro, during the installation of the National Coffee Assembly, have generated an intense debate. The president questioned the country's economic approach, pointing out the predominance of oil and coal to the detriment of sectors such as coffee.
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Particularly annoying was the president's statement that “When you talk about extracting, you don't talk about a lot of work. Extract what is already under the earth: call it coal, call it oil, call it gold, call it nickel. You practically don't even need a brain to extract.”
In this regard, the sector's responses were immediate. The Colombian Association of Petroleum Engineers (Acipet), one of the most prominent voices in the sector, came out against the President's criticism, highlighting the value and dedication of the professionals who make up the hydrocarbon industry. According to the union, The success of the Colombian energy industry is largely due to the talent and preparation of its workers, who apply rigorous technical, environmental and safety standards in their daily work.
In this sense, they stated that Petro's words do not reflect the reality of the industry and constitute disrespect for the work and dedication of thousands of professionals. On the other hand, the Colombian Association of Energy Geologists and Geophysicists (ACGGP) He expressed his rejection, pointing out that these discredit the work of professionals dedicated to the exploration and exploitation of natural resources.
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Gustavo Petro.
In the words of the ACGGP, The comparison made by the President between the legal exercise of these professions and illicit activities such as drug trafficking is unfair and unfortunate. The association emphasized the importance of the work carried out by the geologists, mining and petroleum engineers, geophysicists, among others, and urged not to underestimate their work.
This rejection was joined by Juan Camilo Nariño, president of the Colombian Mining Association, who said that “The statements against the sector can only arise from ignorance of it, therefore I deeply reject them because they are unaware of the enormous capabilities that more than a million women, men and young miners have.”
Strong response from the USO to the President
The Ecopetrol Workers Union Union (USO) also issued a response to President Petro, underlining the importance of the professionalism and experience required in the oil industry. They emphasized that the more than 240,000 workers in the sector represent a bastion of knowledge and commitment, essential to guarantee the economic development and energy sovereignty of Colombia.
They emphasized the significant contribution of the oil industry to the country, evidenced by Ecopetrol's contribution of $58 billion in 2023. In addition, they highlighted the crucial role that the industry plays in the transition to new forms of energy.
Daniela Morales Soler
Portfolio Journalist
