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 search 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 being 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 are the potential consequences of President Gustavo Petro’s accusations against the Prosecutor’s Office on the stability of his administration?
**Interview with Political Analyst Dr. Mariana Torres on President Gustavo Petro’s Recent Statements**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Torres. President Gustavo Petro has recently made headlines by accusing the Prosecutor’s Office of attempting to orchestrate an “institutional rupture” to remove him from power. What are the implications of these claims for his presidency?
**Dr. Torres**: Thank you for having me. President Petro’s statements reflect a growing tension between him and the Prosecutor’s Office, which he believes is acting out of a political agenda rather than a legitimate judicial interest. His call for popular mobilization indicates a strategy to rally public support against what he describes as a corrupt system attempting to undermine his presidency. This could further polarize the political environment in Colombia, potentially leading to civil unrest if tensions escalate.
**Interviewer**: In his message, Petro claimed a “mafia takeover” of the Prosecutor’s Office and described ongoing investigations as a serious constitutional breach. Are such accusations typical in Colombian politics, or do they signify a deeper crisis?
**Dr. Torres**: Such accusations are not entirely uncommon in Colombian politics, where allegations of corruption and politicized justice often emerge. However, Petro’s rhetoric is particularly intense, reflecting his belief that there’s a coordinated effort by powerful interests to unseat him, including entities he associates with drug trafficking and corruption. This rhetoric could signify a deeper crisis within Colombian institutions if the parties involved do not seek a resolution.
**Interviewer**: Petro also referenced previous judicial searches and alleged illegal campaign financing involving unions. How might these investigations affect his legitimacy as president?
**Dr. Torres**: The investigations into campaign financing, particularly if they find substantial evidence, could severely impact Petro’s credibility. The allegation of $127,000 in undisclosed contributions could be perceived as a violation of electoral laws. Should these investigations substantiate claims against him, it might erode public trust not only in Petro’s administration but also in the broader democratic process. However, whether this legitimation crisis will lead to significant political repercussions depends on how his supporters respond and how effectively he can frame these challenges as politically motivated attacks.
**Interviewer**: The Senate president, Iván Name Vásquez, called for restraint following Petro’s comments. What role do you see the Senate playing in this situation?
**Dr. Torres**: The Senate has a crucial role in mediating tensions between the executive and judiciary branches. By calling for restraint, Name is signaling the need for a balanced approach to these serious allegations, which is essential for maintaining democratic stability. If the Senate can act as a moderating force, encouraging dialogue rather than confrontation, it may help to ease some of the political tensions. However, if either side escalates the conflict, the Senate could find itself in a challenging position.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Dr. Torres, for your insights on this pressing issue in Colombian politics. It will be interesting to see how these events unfold and their implications for the country’s future.
**Dr. Torres**: Thank you for the opportunity. It’s a critical time for Colombia, and the outcome of these disputes will shape its political landscape for years to come.
