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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What are the possible consequences of President Gustavo Petro’s allegations of a “mafia takeover” on his administration’s stability?
**Interview with Political Analyst Ana Torres on President Gustavo Petro’s Allegations**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Ana. President Gustavo Petro has recently expressed concerns about a supposed “institutional rupture” aimed at removing him from power. Can you elaborate on what this means in the context of Colombian politics?
**Ana Torres:** Thank you for having me. Petro’s statement reflects his deepening fears of political persecution and a potential coup against his administration. By claiming a “mafia takeover” of the Prosecutor’s Office, he is implying that organized interests—ranging from drug traffickers to corrupt politicians—are conspiring to undermine his presidency. This rhetoric is designed to rally public support, framing his situation as a defense of democracy against malign forces.
**Interviewer:** He also called for popular mobilization in support of his presidency. Is this a common tactic among leaders facing legal challenges?
**Ana Torres:** Yes, it is fairly common for leaders in precarious situations to mobilize their base. By encouraging popular support, Petro aims to strengthen his position both politically and socially. It becomes a matter of demonstrating public backing to deter legal actions and signal that any attempt to remove him would be met with significant resistance from the populace.
**Interviewer:** The allegations of illegal campaign financing have resurfaced, specifically involving a union’s contribution that wasn’t reported. What are the implications of this investigation for Petro?
**Ana Torres:** The investigation represents a significant threat to Petro’s credibility and could galvanize opposition against him. If found guilty of any misconduct, it could not only jeopardize his presidency but also draw attention to other accusations of corruption that might involve his administration. This puts him in a precarious position where he must defend his actions while simultaneously attacking those who are investigating him.
**Interviewer:** How have political figures, such as Senate President Iván Name, responded to Petro’s accusations and calls for mobilization?
**Ana Torres:** Iván Name’s call for restraint indicates a desire to maintain order and prevent civil unrest. His response also suggests that there is concern about Petro’s inflammatory rhetoric leading to potential confrontations between supporters and opponents. Politicians from all sides must navigate this complex landscape with caution, as heightened tensions can destabilize the already fragile political environment in Colombia.
**Interviewer:** As we look at the situation unfolding, what do you predict could happen next?
**Ana Torres:** It’s hard to say definitively. If Petro manages to rally substantial public support, he may be able to withstand the pressures from the Prosecutor’s Office. However, if opposition forces consolidate and the investigation continues to gain traction, we could see a significant weakening of his position. The next steps will likely depend on how both sides maneuver through this political chess game and whether any new evidence emerges that changes the dynamics.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Ana, for your insights on this evolving situation in Colombia. It will be fascinating to see how these events unfold.
**Ana Torres:** Thank you for having me. I look forward to following this critical juncture in Colombian politics.
