Íngrid Betancourt

Íngrid Betancourt, born on December twenty-fifth, nineteen sixty-one, in Bogotá, is a prominent Colombian-French politician and anti-corruption activist. She is the daughter of Gabriel Betancourt, a former Colombian Minister of Education, and Yolanda Pulecio, a former beauty queen and congresswoman. Betancourt's educational journey took her to France and England, where she attended Sciences Po in Paris and later earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Theology from Harris Manchester College, Oxford, in two thousand twenty-three.

Her political career began in the 1990s, serving in the Colombian Chamber of Representatives from nineteen ninety-four to nineteen ninety-eight and in the Senate from nineteen ninety-eight to two thousand one. As the founder of the Oxygen Green Party, she became known for her unwavering stance against political corruption, which resonated with many Colombians.

Betancourt gained international attention in February two thousand two when she was kidnapped by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) while campaigning for the presidency as a Green candidate. Held captive in the Colombian jungle for over six years, she became a symbol of resistance against political violence, particularly in France, where she also holds citizenship through her first marriage to French diplomat Fabrice Delloye.

Her rescue on July second, two thousand eight, during Operation Jaque, marked a significant moment in Colombian history, as she was freed alongside fourteen other hostages. Following her release, Betancourt received numerous international accolades, including France's Légion d'honneur and Spain's Prince of Asturias Award for Concord. Despite mixed accounts of her behavior during captivity, she emerged as a figure of courage and resilience.

In January two thousand twenty-two, Betancourt announced her candidacy for the Colombian presidential election but ultimately withdrew from the race in May of the same year, continuing her legacy as a dedicated public servant and advocate for change.