Given the recent information disseminated in the media about the expenses associated with the work of the First Lady, Verónica Alcocer, the Presidency spoke out.
Recently, La Silla Vacía revealed some aspects regarding the expenses associated with the staff of the First Lady of the Nation, Verónica Alcocer, generating a debate about the allocation of resources in public entities.
According to the investigation, Alcocer has a personal team that includes a makeup artist, costume designer, professional photographer, her best friend and a personal advisor. Some of these professionals receive salaries that exceed those of ministers and are hired through public entities. The reported salaries range between 10 and 30 million pesos per month.
In its statement, the presidency indicates that Verónica Alcocer, in her role as spouse of the President of the Republic, fulfills a social function supported by jurisprudence of the Constitutional Court, the Council of State and concepts of the Administrative Department of the Public Service. These powers allow him to carry out protocol tasks, lead initiatives in social assistance and public charity.address issues such as poverty, education and health, support specific causes, promote aid programs, and strengthen the country’s image.
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The presidency in its statement warns that by virtue of Decree 2647 of 2022, the Administrative Department of the Presidency (DAPRE) assists the President of the Republic in his constitutional and legal functions, providing him with administrative support. Some agencies, such as Casa Militar and Headquarters for Presidential Protection, offer administrative assistance, security and protocol to the presidential family. In addition, DAPRE hires a communications team that supports management and disseminates presidential activities.
They added in the statement that Mauricio Vélez, Fady Flórez and Carolina Plata do not provide exclusive services for the First Lady. Carolina Plata, for example, is in charge of various functions, such as organizing events and receptions, meeting needs for goods and services in salons and private homes, leading logistical and administrative requirements, and supporting protocol events.
Mauricio Vélez plays roles as audiovisual director of informational and entertainment programs, as well as director of special projects and presidential photographer. Fady Flórez advises the image of presenters, the President, the First Lady and the presidential family, providing guidelines to makeup and wardrobe teams.
María Antonia Pardo, Manager of International Affairs and Government of ProColombia, has functions related to managing relations with the Foreign Ministry, embassies and government entities, advising both the President and the First Lady on these issues.
The Presidency emphasized that these functions and contracts are framed in the fulfillment of institutional and regulatory responsibilities.
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