After the hectic vote in which he obtained 62 votes in favor and 41 against, the election of Carlos Camargo -the opposition candidate- as the new magistrate of the Constitutional Court unleashed reactions from congressmen from all political sectors.

“Today more than ever, Colombia needs a Constitutional Court that acts as a counterweight to the pressures of power, preserving its independence from any political agenda. Only in this way will there be a guarantee for all Colombians, without exception,” said Senator Nadia Blel, president of the Conservative Party.

Likewise, María Fernanda Cabal, of the Democratic Center, asked Camargo to defend"the Constitution against abuses of power."

Senators celebrate the election of Carlos Camargo. Photo: John Pérez. EL TIEMPO

“The election of Carlos Camargo as a judge on the Constitutional Court is a triumph for institutions. Amid the populist threat of a government that seeks to subject justice to its own interests, this decision should serve to strengthen judicial independence and protect the rule of law,” he wrote on his X account.

Interior Minister Armando Benedetti also spoke out on his X account and acknowledged the government's defeat. “Congratulations to Carlos Camargo for his campaign and his election as the new magistrate of the Constitutional Court. We trust that he will be a faithful guardian of the Constitution. Success,” he wrote.

Carlos Camargo shakes hands with Lidio García, president of the Senate. Photo: John Pérez. EL TIEMPO

Senator Martha Peralta, from the government party, also spoke out, warning that she hopes the election does not"end up serving economic interests."

“Regrettable. The majority of traditional politics elected Carlos Camargo as a magistrate of the Constitutional Court @CConstitucional, the @SenadoGovCo made its decision, which I must respect in a democracy,” he wrote on X.

Another strong opposition voice celebrating the election was Senator Carlos Fernando Motoa of the Cambio Radical party."With his victory, the independence of the Supreme Court is reaffirmed, President Petro's plans to co-opt the judiciary are thwarted, and the separation of powers is reaffirmed as the guiding principle of our democracy," he wrote on social media.

There were also statements from independent sectors. Representative Catherine Juvinao of the Green Alliance urged Carlos Camargo to demonstrate a firm commitment to the Constitution.

Carlos Camargo was the Ombudsman. Photo: Courtesy of the Ombudsman's Office.

“The Senate plenary has elected Dr. Carlos Camargo as a judge of the Constitutional Court. We in Congress expect from him the highest commitment to the Constitution and democracy. The system of checks and balances is the safeguard of the Social Rule of Law,” he stated in X.

CAMILO A. CASTILLO< br>Political Editorial< br>X: (@camiloandres894)