Following an exhausting campaign, Colombia’s President-elect Juan Manuel Santos decided to take a well-deserved holiday to Europe.
The newly elected president, having completed “the most difficult phase” of his four-year term, told press in Bogota he was very thankful to be elected president, but that he really needed to take a big break from politics.
“My heart is filled with gratitude for all those compatriots who voted for the continuation of President Uribe’s policy. Following my election, the president and the army assured me they will continue doing their job until my inauguration, which means that for now my job is done,” Santos said.
The president-elect said he will be back in Bogota for his August 7 inauguration and that incoming Vice President Angelino Garzon will be in charge of finalizing the formation of a coalition in Congress and the hiring of ministers. “This is just a formality though,” Santos said before entering customs.