Laura Sarabia Highlights 48% Budget Execution in Congressional Debut as DPS Director

Laura Sarabia Highlights 48% Budget Execution in Congressional Debut as DPS Director

Laura Sarabia, the former chief of staff of President Gustavo Petro made her debut appearance before the Congress of the Republic as the Director of the Department of Social Prosperity (DPS) during a political oversight debate within the Seventh Commission of the House of Representatives.

During her address, Sarabia emphasized the progress in the execution of the 2023 budget, revealing that 48% of it has already been allocated, primarily in the form of monetary transfers such as the ‘citizen income’ program and investment in rural road infrastructure development in various territories.

Execution of the 2023 Budget: A Progress Report

In addition to reflecting on the 2023 budget’s implementation, Sarabia also discussed the budget projection for 2024. Notably, she identified the ‘Youth in Peace’ program as a significant priority for the upcoming fiscal year. This initiative, championed by President Gustavo Petro, is designed to steer young people away from violence.

Despite receiving some criticisms from a variety of political sectors, Sarabia staunchly defended the ‘Youth in Peace’ project. She underscored its primary goal of providing alternative paths for vulnerable young people in areas where government influence is lacking, but violence and lawlessness are sadly prevalent.

Addressing Economic and Social Emergency: The ‘Wayuu Income’

Moving on to another crucial issue, Sarabia announced the introduction of the ‘Wayuu income’ as a response to the declared economic and social emergency in La Guajira. This initiative involved a transfer of 500,000 pesos to 27,000 identified families in the territory, with a particular focus on households led by mothers with young children.

Designed as a one-time transfer, the ‘Wayúu income’ aims to provide immediate relief to these families. However, the objective is to transition these families to the ‘citizen income’ eventually. This will ensure they are not left unprotected once the government’s comprehensive intervention comes to an end.

After her appearance in Congress, the official chose to evade questions from waiting journalists and quickly made her way towards the elevator, a scene captured in various videos circulating on both traditional media and social networks.

Senator Maria Fernanda Cabal Critiques Youth in Peace Program on Social Media

In July, Senator Maria Fernanda Cabal from the Democratic Center party expressed her views on the Youth in Peace program through her social media channels in response to a national media article focused on the initiative. This program, overseen by the Ministry of Equality, aims to benefit thousands of citizens.

Cabal raised questions about the benefits that young people seeking to leave criminal groups would receive under President Petro’s leadership. Specifically, she critiqued the idea of the government providing financial support to those taking steps towards legality, suggesting that compensation should instead go to citizens who contribute to the country through their hard work.

Senator Maria Fernanda Cabal questioned whether engaging in criminal activities was a profitable choice and expressed concern for hardworking young individuals who seemed to receive little support in the current government. She proposed a shift towards assisting law-abiding citizens and addressing criminal issues, asserting that this approach aligned with common sense.