In the show Vera, they interviewed Mónica Palencia, Minister of Government and Interior Affairs, in their own way. The most anticipated question was the question of security. Palencia spoke about security as a systemic problem where different fronts are identified and attacked in the most direct and fastest way possible, making it clear that there are no magic and instant solutions and stressing that this is a war in which we must all fight together.

In this sense, he made an approach that goes beyond urgency and has to do with a long-term view. He spoke about the need to promote a culture of legality.

When we talk about culture, we mean the sum of customs, beliefs, values, norms and expectations of society about the manner of behavior in it, and when we talk about the culture of legality, it means when members of society adapt their behavior to valid norms and laws because they see value in them by establishing a minimum of peaceful and safe coexistence.

This implies knowledge of laws and regulations, and their voluntary compliance, without exception, because there is a belief that this is the way to coexistence.

In the document published by Flacso, it is already associated with the importance of developing a culture of legality in countries that have suffered very serious occurrences of organized crime, generally related to drug trafficking, where the economic, social and political levels have seriously weakened the effectiveness of legal rules; There was talk of the creation of “narco-cultural” spaces in which officially accepted norms and values ​​are called into question.

Several countries have already taken this path, notably Mexico, where the work of the Mexico United Against Crime (MUCD) movement has had a significant impact over its 25 years of existence, dealing with everything from legal education to advocacy. in public policies.

For a culture of legality to exist, most people are expected to understand the law and their individual rights, to accept and be willing to follow the law, to reject illegal behavior, and for government agencies to enforce the law.

Transparency in government management is key to this; when citizens perceive corruption or impunity, the culture of legality is broken.

It will not be easy, but we must focus on the upbringing and development of a culture of legality, from the narrowest spaces such as the family to the most extensive such as political and social spaces. It is clear that achieving changes will take many years, decades, and that it can be seen as a utopia. Eduardo Galeano says: “Utopia is on the horizon, I know very well that I will never reach it.” That if I take ten steps, she will take ten steps further. But that’s what utopia is for. For a walk”. It is necessary and urgent to move towards that utopia. (OR)