Colombian Senator Luis Carlos Rúa turned heads at the TIME100 Next gala wearing a full white elephant suit. As reported by TIME, the unusual outfit served as a political statement for the newly elected lawmaker and anti-corruption advocate.
Exposing Government Waste
Before revealing his identity just three days prior to the election, Rúa spent five years creating anonymous videos on Instagram and TikTok under the name Elefante blanco, translating to the White Elephant. The persona references unfinished and wasteful infrastructure projects that he investigates. Speaking on the red carpet at the Manhattan gala on Oct. 29, Rúa explained that his oversight work regarding government mismanagement remains crucial.
Rúa stated to TIME that he has spent five years traveling across his country to denounce massive public works known as white elephants. He added that his nation is currently confronting the largest such project in its history.
Demanding Earthquake Reconstruction
The senator referenced the aftermath of a 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Colombia in August, resulting in more than 200 deaths and 4,000 injuries. Data from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs indicates the disaster damaged over 45,000 homes, destroyed 9,000 residences, and caused 140 buildings to collapse.
Rúa used the red carpet appearance to draw international attention to the stalled recovery efforts. He urged Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, a conservative supported by U.S. President Donald Trump who won a presidential runoff in June, to take action.
Rúa urged people globally to support advocacy efforts by leveraging social media to demand government action.
The TIME100 Next Gala received presentation support from Rolex, Toyota, American Airlines, Danantara, Project Management Institute, and Target.
