Colombian President Gustavo Petro denounced an alleged “institutional rupture” to remove him from power and again accused the Prosecutor’s Office of wanting to investigate him, for which he asked the population for a popular mobilization in his support.
Petro pointed out that “there is a serious constitutional breach when the Prosecutor’s Office investigates the president of the republic,” according to an extensive message published on the social network X.
«They have decided to break the institution. As president of the republic, I must notify the world of the mafia takeover of the Prosecutor’s Office and I must ask the people for maximum popular mobilization for decency,” said the president.
This is not the first time that Petro talks about wanting to remove him from the Presidency, as he already did so on several occasions last month, such as when he commented on a judicial record that the Prosecutor’s Office and the Supreme Court of Justice made at the headquarters of the Colombian Federation of Education Workers (Fecode) in Bogotá.
That raid was carried out as part of an investigation into the alleged illegal financing of Petro’s presidential campaign.
The investigation is based on the alleged contribution of some $127,000 that that union made to Petro’s campaign and that was not reported to the electoral authority, as required by law.
In that sense, Petro assured this Friday that “unions have been raided, torture has been used and pressure has been used on witnesses to accuse the president and they have not been successful.”
“Drug trafficking sectors, perpetrators of crimes against humanity, corrupt politicians and corrupt sectors of the Prosecutor’s Office are desperately seeking the removal of the president from the position elected by the people,” he added.
The Senate calls for restraint
In this regard, the president of the Senate, Iván Name Vásquez, expressed his surprise “at the statement of the President of the Republic suggesting a call for civil confrontation.”
“All expressions and complaints in relation to the interpretations of judicial or political events that are recorded in our country are valid and necessary within our democratic system,” Name said in a message on his X account.
However, the senator clarified, “the answer cannot be the call for the breakdown of institutions as a mechanism to resolve our conflicts. “Any challenge to our democratic institutions must be repudiated within the framework of the Constitution and the law.”
Confrontation with the prosecutor
President Gustavo Petro’s statements come in the midst of a strong political confrontation with the attorney general, Francisco Barbosa, in which they frequently accuse each other of violating the law.
The dispute has an ideological background because Barbosa, close to former President Iván Duque (2018-2022), is accused by his critics of putting the Prosecutor’s Office at the service of political interests to persecute people related to the Government while turning a blind eye to cases that They involve right-wing politicians.
On the other hand, there are those who consider that Petro, who will celebrate two years in power in August, seeks to interfere in the independence of the Judiciary since his own son, the first-born Nicolás Petro Burgos, is investigated by the Prosecutor’s Office for money laundering and enrichment. illicit, crimes that dot his presidential campaign.
In this regard, the president stated that the Prosecutor’s Office will request his “impeachment without hiding that he has carried out an unconstitutional investigation against me seeking the victory that the people did not grant them.”
«A progressive president, the first in a century, cannot be overthrown here, because legally a workers’ union contributed to a left-wing party. The time has come for popular expression,” concluded Petro.
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What implications do President Petro’s accusations of an “institutional rupture” have for the stability of Colombian politics and governance?
**Interview with Political Analyst Dr. Laura González on President Gustavo Petro’s Recent Statements**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Dr. González. President Gustavo Petro has recently accused the Prosecutor’s Office of attempting to remove him from power and called for popular mobilization. What do you make of his claims regarding an “institutional rupture”?
**Dr. González:** Thank you for having me. President Petro’s comments reflect a significant escalation in his ongoing conflict with state institutions. When he speaks of an “institutional rupture,” he suggests that there is a coordinated effort among certain factions within the government and the justice system to undermine his presidency. This situation highlights the polarization within Colombian politics and the challenges Petro faces.
**Interviewer:** Petro mentioned the ongoing investigations into his campaign financing, asserting that they lack legitimacy. Can you shed light on the background of these allegations?
**Dr. González:** Certainly. The investigation pertains to accusations that the Colombian Federation of Education Workers contributed approximately $127,000 to Petro’s campaign without proper disclosure, as required by law. Petro has contended that these investigations are politically motivated and part of a broader strategy by interests opposed to his administration, including elements linked to drug trafficking and corruption. He frames this as an assault not just on him personally but on democratic institutions.
**Interviewer:** He also referred to a “mafia takeover” of the Prosecutor’s Office. How significant are these allegations in the context of Colombia’s legal and political environment?
**Dr. González:** Those allegations are quite serious. By claiming a “mafia takeover,” Petro is implying that organized crime has infiltrated high levels of government, including judicial bodies. This reflects longstanding concerns about corruption and a lack of trust in institutions in Colombia. While such claims can galvanize his base and appeal to the public’s frustrations, they also risk further destabilizing the political climate, especially if they are perceived as attempts to deflect legitimate scrutiny.
**Interviewer:** In response to Petro’s mobilization call, the President of the Senate, Iván Name Vásquez, expressed surprise and concern. What does this indicate about the current political landscape?
**Dr. González:** The reaction from Senate President Name reflects a growing tension among political leaders regarding the appropriateness of Petro’s actions. When a president calls for civil mobilization against judicial investigations, it raises alarms about the potential for civil unrest. It’s a delicate balance in a democracy where dissent and accountability must coexist. The Senate’s response emphasizes the need for temperance and dialog rather than confrontation.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, in light of these developments, how do you anticipate the future of Petro’s presidency?
**Dr. González:** The upcoming period will be critical. Petro needs to navigate these challenges while maintaining support from his base. His ability to manage this conflict with institutions will determine not just his political survival but the overall health of democracy in Colombia. If he can consolidate support and address the allegations effectively, he may come out stronger; otherwise, we could see a deeper rift and increased instability.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. González, for your insights on this complex situation.
**Dr. González:** Thank you for having me. It’s important to keep an eye on these developments as they unfold.