Colombia’s President Juan Manuel Santos stated Thursday that a preliminary study indicated a continued decrease of poverty in his country.
Santos cited figures from the National Planning Department, saying that their preliminary study for this year suggests a continued improvement in the reduction of poverty.
According to Caracol Radio, the President stated that “last year 1.2 million Colombians were lifted out of poverty and 670 thousand out of extreme poverty…Not only do we want to reduce poverty but inequalities.”
The president also claimed that between January and August of this year the income of the lowest socio-economic strata in Colombia rose by 20% and the income of the wealthiest inceased by 3%.
The national government claimed it has focused on the poorest sectors of Colombia in order to reduce poverty and eliminate inequalities. Santos specifically referenced the new tax reform which will supposedly benefit the working class and decrease inequality in the country.