Colombian President Iván Duque has described his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolás Maduro, as a “criminal” and has justified his claim with evidence he says the UN and the International Criminal Court (ICC) already have.
“The persecution, torture, murder and imprisonment of citizens deserves a description of a murderer,” Duque said in an interview with Columbia Channel 1. Thus, he considers that it is not a “reckless” statement, but that it is justified.
In the interview, Duque also defended the proposal to tax so-called megapension in accordance with the bill to be discussed in the Colombian Congress.
“Retirees who receive more than ten million in benefits must contribute to the protection program for the most vulnerable,” Duque explained. “Pensions less than three times the minimum wage should not be taxed,” he added.
Duque also said that it was not convenient “at this time” to eliminate the 0.4 percent tax on financial transactions, although the possibility of its gradual withdrawal should be discussed in the future.