Representative María Fernanda Carrascal of the Historic Pact is at the center of a controversy after confusing the Consumer Price Index (CPI) with a consumer tax during a fiscal policy debate on Tercer Canal.
The confusion arose while Carrascal defended existing policies related to the tax on ultra-processed foods amid criticism from the opposition. In her intervention, she attempted to explain the basic family basket in Colombia but made a conceptual error by referring to the CPI as a tax. In her words: “They said that of the 443 products that make up the basic family basket, right?, the one used to measure the CPI, the tax, right?, on the consumer…” This statement generated a wave of reactions on social media.
It is important to note that there is no tax referred to as CPI in Colombian tax legislation. The National Administrative Department of Statistics (Dane) defines the CPI as an indicator that measures the monthly variation in the prices of basic goods, which is used to calculate inflation in the country.
Carrascal’s confusion did not go unnoticed and sparked criticism from various sectors. María Andrea Nieto, former director of the National Learning Service (Sena), created a video highlighting the congresswoman’s lack of economic knowledge and questioned her preparedness in making public statements. “How do you explain to her that this is not that?”, Nieto criticized.
Bogotá councilor Sandra Forero Ramírez also spoke out. On her digital platforms, she explained the relevance of the CPI, reaffirming that it is a tool that allows households to understand the variation in the costs of goods, and not a tax. “That variation is inflation,” she explained.
On the other hand, Carol Borda, another congresswoman, joined in the criticism focusing on other previous errors by Carrascal. The representative addressed her colleague mentioning other confusing concepts. At the same time, right-wing activist Juan Carlos Florián made an ironic comment about the confusion on his X account, stating that the CPI is no longer the Consumer Price Index.
This episode undoubtedly adds another chapter to the controversies that have surrounded the congresswoman, who is known for her strong opposition to the elimination of the health tax in Colombia.
Source: www.infobae.com
