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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How could the allegations of improper campaign financing affect President Petro’s administration?
**Interview with Political Analyst Dr. Laura Sánchez on President Gustavo Petro’s Recent Statements**
**Host**: Welcome to our segment today. We’re discussing a critical moment in Colombian politics following President Gustavo Petro’s recent outcry regarding what he calls an “institutional rupture” aimed at removing him from power. Joining us is Dr. Laura Sánchez, a political analyst with expertise in Latin American affairs. Thank you for being here, Dr. Sánchez.
**Dr. Sánchez**: Thank you for having me.
**Host**: President Petro has claimed that the Prosecutor’s Office is overstepping its bounds by investigating him. Can you explain the implications of this claim?
**Dr. Sánchez**: Certainly. Petro’s assertion highlights a fundamental tension in Colombian politics where the independence of judicial institutions and the authority of the presidency often collide. His claim of a “serious constitutional breach” if the Prosecutor’s Office investigates a sitting president underscores his belief that these actions are politically motivated. This could potentially destabilize institutions that are supposed to function independently [[1](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-61863885)].
**Host**: He also mentioned a “mafia takeover” of the Prosecutor’s Office and has called for popular mobilization. What does this mean for public sentiment and political stability in Colombia?
**Dr. Sánchez**: Petro’s call for popular mobilization is significant; it’s a direct appeal to his supporters and a strategy to counteract his political adversaries. By framing the investigation as a struggle against a corrupt establishment, he aims to energize his base and assert that he is being targeted for political reasons rather than legitimate legal concerns. This type of rhetoric can deepen divisions within the country and provoke tensions between different political groups, potentially leading to protests or civil unrest [[1](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-61863885)].
**Host**: Recently, the Senate President Iván Name expressed surprise at Petro’s statements, suggesting they could incite civil confrontation. How might this affect the political landscape?
**Dr. Sánchez**: Name’s response indicates a growing concern among legislators about the potential consequences of Petro’s vocal dissatisfaction with the judicial system. Such reactions may lead to increased polarization within Congress and could hinder legislative cooperation. If the situation escalates, we could see a fractured political environment where the executive and legislative branches are at odds, possibly undermining governance [[1](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-61863885)].
**Host**: Given the backdrop of allegations regarding improper campaign financing, how might this investigation influence Petro’s presidency moving forward?
**Dr. Sánchez**: The investigation into campaign financing, specifically regarding the alleged undocumented contribution from unions, poses a significant challenge for Petro. If evidence emerges that supports these allegations, it could severely damage his political standing and leverage for implementing his agenda. As we observe the dynamics of accountability and rule of law in Colombia, this case will be pivotal in testing not just Petro’s resilience, but also the efficacy of Colombian institutions in handling political controversies [[1](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-61863885)].
**Host**: Thank you, Dr. Sánchez, for interpreting these complex issues within Colombian politics. It appears we are witnessing a critical moment that could shape the future of the country.
**Dr. Sánchez**: Absolutely, it’s a pivotal time, and the coming weeks will be crucial in determining how these tensions play out. Thank you for the discussion.