Miguel Uribe Turbay (1986–2025): political career marked by sacrifice and the defense of democracy

Colombia.- Miguel Uribe Turbay (Bogotá, January 28, 1986 - August 11, 2025) was a lawyer, politician and was a candidate for the Senate of the Republic of Colombia for the Democratic Center party, as well as a pre-candidate for the presidency for the 2026 elections. With a career marked by tragedy, public service and firm opposition to left-wing currents, Uribe has established himself as one of the most influential figures in the contemporary Colombian political spectrum.

Origin and Family Tragedy

He was born into a family deeply connected to politics and journalism. He is the son of the journalist Diana Turbay, who was murdered in 1991 during a failed rescue attempt after being kidnapped by the narcoterrorist group Los Extraditables, led by Pablo Escobar. His mother was the daughter of the former Colombian president Julio César Turbay Ayala (1978-1982), of Lebanese origin, and the philanthropist Nydia Quintero. His paternal grandfather, Rodrigo Uribe Echavarría, was director of the Liberal Party.

Read more: Colombian Senator and Presidential Pre-Candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay Dies

At the age of five, Miguel Uribe faced the loss of his mother, an event that would mark his life and his commitment to legality and the fight against organized crime.

Academic Background of Miguel Uribe

He studied at the Los Nogales School in Bogotá. Subsequently, he studied Law at the Universidad de los Andes, where he also obtained a master's degree in Public Policies. His training continued in the United States, with a master's degree in Public Administration from Harvard University.

Beginnings in politics

Uribe began his political career in the Colombian Liberal Party, and in 2011 was elected Bogotá councilman, being one of the youngest in the country. He stood out as an opponent of then-mayor Gustavo Petro, questioning his management on issues such as the garbage system and social programs. In 2014 he was elected president of the Bogotá Council.

Government Secretary

Between 2016 and 2018, he was the Secretary of Government of Bogotá during the mayoralty of Enrique Peñalosa, becoming the youngest official to hold that position. He promoted issues of security, urban planning, and governance. Although his management was criticized for the increase in thefts in 2019, he achieved a slight reduction in homicides compared to the national increase.

Candidate for Mayor of Bogotá

In 2019, Miguel Uribe ran as an independent candidate for the Mayor's Office of Bogotá, with the support of several parties, including the Liberal, Conservative, MIRA and Centro Democrático. He promoted the continuity of projects such as the elevated Metro, citizen security and the expansion of multimodal transport. He obtained more than 426 thousand votes, finishing in fourth place.

Senator and Opposition Leader

In 2022, he was elected senator for the Democratic Center, heading the list under the slogan "Primero Colombia". He was the most voted senator in an open list in the entire country. In Congress, he has led debates on security, freedom of the press, protection of entrepreneurs, and defense of democracy against the government of Gustavo Petro.

Presidential Candidate and Assassination Attempt

On March 4, 2025, Miguel Uribe announced his presidential pre-candidacy within the Democratic Center, facing figures like María Fernanda Cabal, Paloma Valencia, and Andrés Guerra. According to internal polls, he is the favorite to lead the party's presidential formula. On June 7, 2025, during a political event in Fontibón, Bogotá, he was the victim of an attack in which he received several shots. His health condition remains reserved, generating national and international concern.

Personal life and descendants

In 2016, he married María Claudia Tarazona, with whom he has a son, Alejandro Uribe Tarazona. His wedding was a high-profile political and social event, attended by former presidents such as Álvaro Uribe and César Gaviria, senators, ministers, and figures from Colombian journalism.

Ancestry and Family Connections

Miguel Uribe belongs to the Turbay family, related to figures such as Gabriel Turbay Abunader, former presidential candidate, and with the actress and former beauty queen Paola Turbay, universal runner-up of beauty 1992. His lineage includes Lebanese roots and links with the aristocracy of the Colombian Caribbean.

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Technical Sheet of Miguel Uribe Turbay

• Full name: Miguel Uribe Turbay
• Date of birth: January 28, 1986
• Place of birth: Bogotá, Colombia
• Nationality: Colombian
• Profession: Lawyer and politician
• Current political party: Democratic Center
• Academic background:
  • Law and Master's in Public Policies – Universidad de los Andes
  • Master's in Public Administration – Harvard University
• Public positions:
  • Councilman of Bogota (2012-2015)
  • Secretary of Government of Bogota (2016-2018)
  • Senator of the Republic (2022-2026)
• Marital status: Married to María Claudia Tarazona
• Son: Alejandro Uribe Tarazona
• Presidential pre-candidate: Centro Democrático (2025)
• Personal tragedy: Death of his mother Diana Turbay in the 1991 kidnapping
• Recent attack: June 7, 2025, in Bogotá