Frente Nacional in Colombia

The Frente Nacional, or the National Front, was a political coalition formed in Colombia in 1957 to end the violent civil strife known as "La Violencia." The National Front was a bipartisan agreement between the Liberal Party and the Conservative Party, which had been in power in Colombia since 1849. The coalition aimed to provide a peaceful transition of power between the two parties, creating a unique arrangement where Conservatives and Liberals would share power equally while excluding other political parties.

The origins of the National Front can be traced back to the late 19th century, when Colombia experienced a period of relative political stability with minimal conflict between the Liberal and Conservative parties. However, after 1946, the competition between the two parties intensified, leading to a state of civil and political unrest. In 1948, the assassination of liberal political candidate Jorge Gaitán sparked violent riots known as the "Bogotazo," which marked the beginning of the civil war known as "La Violencia" that lasted from 1948 to 1958.

The National Front was formed as a response to the end of "La Violencia," which resulted in the deaths of over 300,000 people, primarily peasants. The coalition was designed to prevent any further competition between the Liberal and Conservative parties and to prevent other political groups from participating in the political process. The agreement required the two parties to alternate governments every four years until 1974, effectively creating a power-sharing system that lasted until 1990.

The National Front was opposed by some political figures, including Alfonso López Michelsen, who led the Movement to Replace the National Front (MRL) to challenge the coalition. Despite opposition, the National Front remained a significant political force in Colombia, with the Conservative Party becoming the second largest single party in the Colombian Congress.

In addition to the political aspect, the National Front also influenced the ideological landscape of Colombia. The Conservative Party, one of the two main parties in the coalition, has a self-proclaimed program that includes objectives such as preserving national unity, promoting religious tolerance, and advocating for private property rights. The party has also been associated with social conservatism and Christian democracy.

The National Front played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of Colombia, providing a peaceful resolution to the violent conflict of "La Violencia" and serving as a model for democratic restoration in Latin America. Although the National Front has since expired, its impact on Colombian politics and history remains significant.