Colombian President Gustavo Petro finds himself at the center of controversy after it was revealed that the government spent over 4.588 million pesos (equivalent to US$1.2 million) on renting a mainstreet venue in Davos, Switzerland, for the upcoming World Economic Forum. President Petro, however, defended the exorbitant expense, insisting that the rental property wasn’t secured for his personal use over a five-day period but to promote Colombia as a tourism destination.
The revelation comes amid Petro’s indecision regarding his presence at the World Economic Forum, after he cited a nine-hour delay in the inauguration of Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo. Right-wing Senator María Fernanda Cabal was quick to criticize Petro’s apparent contradiction, stating, “Petro spends his time speaking ill of capitalism and the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, but spends $4.588 million pesos renting a house in Switzerland for 4 days.”
María Paula Fonseca, Communications Secretary of the Presidency, stepped forward to clarify, however, that the Davos chalet has nothing to do if the president decides to attendant or not the Forum. Fonseca highlighted that key government ministers, including Finance, as well as Commerce, and Mines are currently staying at the exclusive Swiss resort.
“The Colombia House in Davos is not intended for the president to attend events. It serves as a platform to showcase Colombia, a nation of beauty that seeks to attract investors,”highlighted Fonseca.
The WEF 2024 is slated to tackle pressing global issues, including the war in Ukraine and 100 days since Israel declared war on Hamas. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, French President Emmanuel Macron and Middle Eastern leaders from Qatar, UAE and Saudi Arabia will attend the 54th edition of the World Economic Forum. The U.S’s National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan is another high-ranking official from the Biden administration who will join global policy makers at the ski resort.
Petro’s refusal in 2022 to denounce Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as well as his reluctance to condemn the October 7 terror attacks by Hamas, has sparked rebuke from Israel and criticism from many Western leaders who will be in Davos. Early Tuesday, Petro arrived in Davos and will push his carbon-free agenda for Colombia.
