A Russian is a mayor in Colombia
Today, I'm going to share with you the story of a Russian who is the Mayor of a city in Colombia. This is to give you an idea that you could also do the same, and people would vote for you. We are the kindest and most loving towards foreigners.
A foreigner who appreciates our country magically becomes a King. The problem is that most only come to exploit it and leave. Take the time to visit Colombia and help us make this a great country.
Surely you, reading this, have the solution to many problems and would gain a lot if you do it in Colombia. It's a win-win, but let's go on with the story of this Russian...
Who is Mikhail Krasnov?
Mikhail, affectionately known as "the teacher" by many in Tunja, has lived in the capital of Boyacá for almost 16 years. Although born in Russia, Krasnov is a mix of cultures: his grandmother is German and his mother is Ukrainian. However, he defines himself as a "Colombian born abroad." He spent his adult life in Germany, specifically in Berlin, where he studied at Humboldt University. He came to Colombia through a student exchange program with UPTC, aiming to learn Spanish.
A Distinguished Academic Career
Krasnov is no stranger to academia. Until last year, he completed his Ph.D. in Russia, has four master's degrees, and two specializations. He has been a university professor, author of several articles, and a speaker. Despite the rumors and dirty campaigns that arose during the elections, Krasnov has proven to have a solid academic background.
An Economist with Vision
Mikhail is an economist and sociologist, with a Ph.D. in economic sociology. He has a clear vision of economic and social development for Tunja. During the interview, he emphasized the need to modernize electoral campaigns in the city and break with corrupt practices that have prevailed in the past. His goal is to bring more private employment opportunities to Tunja and reduce dependence on the public sector.
The Language Challenge
Despite being Russian, Krasnov speaks perfect Spanish, German, and Russian. He also has knowledge of English, Polish, Serbian, and Ukrainian. He learned Spanish before coming to Colombia and, although he had to adapt to Colombian sayings and idioms, he now communicates fluently.
Objectives for Tunja:
Economic Development: Krasnov, being an economist, has a clear vision of Tunja's economic development potential. He mentions that the city has enormous economic development potential, especially given its proximity to Bogotá and its road connection.
Change Politics: Krasnov seeks to change the paradigm of politics in Tunja. He points out that current electoral politics is more based on marketing and covering the city with banners, rather than genuinely connecting with citizens' needs. His goal is to pave the way for other independent candidates and new political forces in the future.
Fight Corruption: One of his main goals is to weaken corruption ties in the city and facilitate the entry of new independent political forces.
Public Management: Krasnov talks about the importance of public management and how, being an economist, he has a clear vision of where the city should go in terms of development.
Postmodern Vision: Krasnov mentions that we live in a postmodern and multicultural world. Although he is Russian, he sees Tunja as a multicultural space where different cultures can coexist and enrich each other.
Mobility and Urban Development in Tunja:
Decentralization of Services: Krasnov mentions the need to decentralize the mayor's office services. He proposes creating satellite service points in the north and south of the city so that citizens do not have to travel to the center for procedures or request services.
Use of Modern Technologies: Krasnov emphasizes the importance of leveraging modern technologies to facilitate procedures and services. He suggests implementing online platforms to perform certain procedures, thus reducing the need for physical displacement.
Implementation of a Tram: One of Krasnov's most ambitious proposals is the implementation of a tram in the city, leveraging the space where a train currently passes. Although he acknowledges that there are legal challenges due to existing concessions, he sees this initiative as a viable and beneficial solution to improve mobility in Tunja.
Improvement of Road Infrastructure: Krasnov is aware of the challenges the city faces in terms of road infrastructure. He proposes a plan where the mayor's office would provide machinery and paving, and an app would be created to monitor pavement production. He also suggests collaborating with the local engineering faculty so that students participate in the control and supervision of the works.
In Colombia, the Constitution and laws establish certain requirements for a person to run for and be elected to public office. These requirements vary depending on the position, but in general, to be a mayor in Colombia, a person must:
Be a Colombian citizen in exercise.
Have resided in the respective municipality or district during the year immediately preceding the registration date or for a minimum continuous period of two years within the ten years preceding that date.
Not be involved in any of the causes of disqualification and incompatibility established in the Constitution and the law.
In the case of Mikhail Krasnov, although originally from Russia, he likely obtained Colombian citizenship during his time in the country, allowing him to run for public office in Colombia. Also, having lived in Tunja for almost 16 years, he meets the residency requirement.
It is essential to mention that nationality alone is not an impediment to running for public office in Colombia, as long as the person meets the legal and constitutional requirements established. However, it is essential that any foreign candidate has obtained Colombian citizenship to be eligible.
When you come and stay here, you MUST learn Spanish. If you want learn Spanish and maybe become the a Major in Colombia, check this cool programs to learn with the help of natives and be able to connect with new people