The decision by Yahir Acuña Cardales, the mayor of Sincelejo, to observe the civic day proclaimed by President Gustavo Petro on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, has ignited significant controversy within the local community. Announced on Sunday, March 16, 2025, this move involves implementing security protocols amid expectations of potential protests.
Mayor Acuña stated via social media: "It's our duty to guarantee the right to protest as a legitimate means to incorporate demands on the public agenda." His backing of the civic day intends to highlight the city’s commitment to allowing civic expression, even as other local leaders have chosen to reject the initiative, fearing economic repercussions.
The response from Sincelejo's merchants, business owners, and citizens has been anything but supportive. Many expressed significant dissatisfaction with the mayor's decision, voicing concerns related to the city’s economy and productivity. Business representatives declared, "This is not the time to stop work; we need to work more, not less," indicating the palpable frustration among the local workforce and community leaders.
By aligning with the national government's call for civic participation, the administration of Sincelejo stands out among its peers, particularly within the Caribbean region, where other municipalities have opted to continue regular operations without interruption. This divergence has fueled accusations against the mayor of using the civic day as leverage for political support toward President Petro, particularly during heightened national polarization.
Many local citizens are worried about whether the mayor is prioritizing external political interests over the pressing needs of Sincelejo. Business owners argue this stance could have severe consequences on the already fragile economic framework of their city. Their compounding grievances reflect not only on businesses but also indicate broader societal sentiments, amplifying calls for governmental decisions to focus primarily on local welfare.
Consequently, Sincelejo has become one of the few cities where municipal operations have been halted, fostering discord among its populace. Unlike surrounding areas where commerce and daily activities continue unbated, the situation in Sincelejo has deepened general discontent and unease.
Critics of the mayor's decision have raised questions about its long-term ramifications, particularly amid concerns about local economies struggling for recovery following previous downturns. The civic day is seen as potentially detrimental to efforts aimed at re-establishing normalcy and economic vitality.
On the scheduled civic day, the local council plans to convene its security meeting to discuss measures to protect both demonstrators and civilians. This meeting will occur on the same day as the civic event and aims to address safety and security protocols amid the anticipated protests. Whether these measures will be sufficient to calm public apprehension remains uncertain.
Mayor Acuña's leadership is focused on balancing civic rights with the responsibilities of governance. By emphasizing the need for public participation, he seeks to frame the narrative as one of civic engagement rather than mere concession to protests. His efforts, juxtaposed with the dissent from local businesses, create tension indicative of broader national debates around governance and civic rights.
The heated discussions surrounding the civic day reflect the broader challenges facing local authorities amid national political climate shifts. Many citizens feel pressure as local elected officials navigate their roles, which increasingly seem caught between national directives and the immediate, practical needs of their constituents.
Despite the second day of discussions and deliberations, With economic recovery still tentative, the mayor's decision will be heavily critiqued as the civic day approaches. Will it be seen as a bold stand for democracy, or as misplaced priorities leading to economic hardships? Such questions loom large as Sincelejo prepares to enter this civic space, reflecting on the balance it must find amid competing interests.