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 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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In what ways could the mobilization efforts led by Petro affect the stability of Colombia’s political climate amidst rising tensions?
**Interview with Political Analyst Patricia Gómez on President Gustavo Petro’s Claims and Political Climate in Colombia**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Patricia. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent developments surrounding President Gustavo Petro and his allegations regarding the Prosecutor’s Office. How do you interpret Petro’s call for popular mobilization in response to what he describes as an “institutional rupture”?
**Patricia Gómez:** Thank you for having me. Petro’s call for mobilization is quite significant. It’s not just about a legal battle; it’s an emotional appeal aimed at rallying his supporters. He is framing this situation as a fight against a corrupt establishment, accusing the Prosecutor’s Office of being under the influence of “mafia” elements that threaten his presidency. This resonates with many of his followers who share concerns about corruption in Colombian institutions.
**Interviewer:** He has accused the Prosecutor’s Office of misconduct and mentioned specific incidents, such as the raid on the Fecode headquarters. Can you explain the background of this investigation?
**Patricia Gómez:** Absolutely. The investigation into Fecode is focused on allegations of illegal financing of Petro’s campaign, specifically regarding a reported $127,000 contribution that was supposedly not disclosed as required. Such accusations are serious, especially for a sitting president, as they strike at the heart of electoral integrity and transparency. Petro’s insistence on persecution is a strategy to portray himself as a victim of political enemies.
**Interviewer:** Petro has also mentioned incidents of violence and coercion against unions and witnesses. How credible are these claims, and what impact might they have on public perception?
**Patricia Gómez:** These claims are serious. If substantiated, they could indicate deep-rooted issues within Colombia’s political and judicial systems. However, the credibility often hinges on public perception and media portrayal. Petro’s narrative could galvanize his base while alienating his opponents. It all depends on how effectively he can convince the public of the authenticity of his claims amid the political chaos.
**Interviewer:** On the political front, Senate President Iván Name expressed concern over Petro’s remarks, suggesting they might encourage civil confrontation. What does this indicate about the current political climate?
**Patricia Gómez:** Name’s statement highlights a growing divide in Colombian politics. While Petro seeks to mobilize support, leaders like Name are wary of escalating tensions. This reflects a broader concern in Colombia about stability and the role of political discourse in maintaining peace. We are witnessing a precarious balancing act, where calls for mobilization can either energize grassroots movements or lead to significant civil unrest.
**Interviewer:** How do you foresee this situation evolving in the coming weeks?
**Patricia Gómez:** It certainly depends on how the Prosecutor’s Office handles the ongoing investigations and whether any significant evidence surfaces. If Petro can maintain the narrative of persecution and build momentum among his supporters, he may strengthen his position. Conversely, if legal actions intensify without substantial backing from the public, he could find himself politically isolated. The stakes are high for both Petro and Colombian democracy as a whole.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Patricia, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that the political landscape in Colombia is quite complex and fluid.
**Patricia Gómez:** Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial time for Colombia, and all eyes will be on how these dynamics unfold.
