Journalist and former minister Rodrigo Pardo, El Espectador, who was editor-in-chief of EL TIEMPO and director of El Espectador, passed away on Monday, February 19, at the age of 65.
Pardo, one of the most well-known names in Colombian journalism, as well as director of Cambio and Noticias RCN and general editor of Semana magazine, was in the political world in the early 90s, working on Ernesto Samper’s presidential campaign.
(You can read: Journalists and political leaders mourn the death of former Foreign Minister Rodrigo Pardo)In fact, as chancellor, he had to confront delicate relations with the United States in the wake of the liberal campaign’s drug-financing scandal in 1994.
Although Washington frustrated Colombia’s war on drugs, Pardo managed to ensure that the White House, which had always viewed him as a respected interlocutor, continued to support the country.
After his time in public service, Rodrigo Pardo decided to devote himself fully to his passion, journalism.
In his last interview with BOCAS magazine in 2022, he talked about the malignant tumor that has seriously affected his health in recent years. Every four months they performed tests to check the condition of the tumor.
Answering whether he had thought about death, he said: “We are absolutely not prepared for the one thing that we think is inevitable. We do not know how we will die. After the disease was reported to me, my father died, and then my brother. It was me who was going to die, not them. Death is inevitable, but at the same time it is unreasonable. We must meet all the conditions to die.” and I have had more. But still I am here. Those who are in no one’s hands remain accountable. Die”.
When asked how many years he wanted to live, he replied: “Until my health conditions are sufficient. I am 64 years old.”
Notable figures from politics and national journalism mourned his death. For example, Minister of Foreign Affairs Luis Gilberto Murillo noted: “We are deeply saddened by the death of Rodrigo Pardo, a great diplomatic leader, a renowned journalist, former chancellor and former ambassador to the republic. His extraordinary reporting and analysis fed the pages and screens of leading media outlets and foreign policy circles in Colombia and the region. Great human being !”.
Vice President Francia Márquez said: “We extend our deep condolences to the family of Rodrigo Pardo García, an outstanding diplomat who transcended political ideologies, an outstanding journalist who defended freedom of expression, and an academic with a passion for knowledge. May he rest in peace.”
Former senator Rafael Pardo said, “Have a safe trip, my friend Rodrigo Pardo. An honest, level-headed and always kind man has been listened to. An extraordinary being. Big hug to his children, his family and Margarita.”
Senator Humberto de la Calle, for his part, assured that Pardo is a tremendous journalist and analyst, not only in terms of his knowledge, but also in his seriousness and composure.
“First of all, he is a tremendous journalist and analyst; not only in terms of his knowledge, but also with his seriousness and stance. A model of an honest and responsible informant. What will we miss? He praised the name and role of Colombia as Minister of Foreign Affairs. Meanwhile, in very difficult conditions. May he rest in peace. With his relatives.” a hug of solidarity,” the congressman said.
Bogotá mayor Carlos Fernando Galán, who also works as a journalist for this newspaper, spoke along the same lines.
“I am deeply saddened by the death of Rodrigo Pardo. He is an extraordinary person and a great journalist: serious, responsible and fair-minded. I wish his family lots of solidarity,” the regional president said.
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The Freedom of the Press Foundation stated the following: “We are deeply saddened by the death of Rodrigo Pardo, a renowned journalist and active member of our board of directors for the last six years. His commitment to freedom of the press and expression was always there throughout his professional career.”
POLITICAL DESIGN
Source: Exame
