Alejandro Arbeláez Arango, who previously served as Deputy Minister of Defense during the presidency of Álvaro Uribe Vélez and managed Hidroituango under current Governor Andrés Julián Rendón, is positioning himself for a gubernatorial run. Arbeláez is seeking the official endorsement of the Democratic Center party to become a candidate for the Governor of Antioquia in the upcoming regional elections scheduled for October 2027.
During a media interview, Arbeláez discussed his political loyalties, emphasizing his continued alignment with former President Uribe and Governor Rendón. He also spoke about party discipline and outlined his core policy proposals for the department.
Professionally, Arbeláez is an economist who holds a PhD in Constitutional Law from the University of Valencia in Spain. His academic background also includes master’s degrees in Business Administration (MBA) and Public Management (MPA), alongside specialized studies in constitutional law, public governance, economics, and international business.
Reflecting on his personal history and early influences, Arbeláez pointed to his formative years in Medellín. At age 19, he performed military service in the Fourth Brigade during the height of the violent conflict involving drug trafficking networks in the city. He credited that foundational period with instilling a deep sense of discipline, work ethic, and personal integrity.
On policy matters, Arbeláez offered strong backing for Governor Andrés Julián Rendón’s fiscal autonomy initiative. He argued that the financial resources generated within Antioquia must be reinvested locally to improve security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, housing, and general opportunities across all 125 municipalities of the department. Additionally, he voiced support regarding upcoming voting dynamics concerning the San Nicolás Valley Metropolitan Area.
