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Petro Uses Independence Day Address to Challenge Election Results

By Richard Emblin - July 21, 2026

Outgoing Colombian President Gustavo Petro used his final Independence Day address to Congress on Monday to question the legitimacy of Colombia’s presidential election, accuse the United States of imposing the country’s next leader and urge supporters to prepare mass protests if the incoming government reverses his reforms. The speech, delivered less than three weeks before […]

Petro Faces Criminal Case Over “Hostile” Social Media Against Miguel Uribe

By The City Paper Staff - June 25, 2025

Colombian President Gustavo Petro faces a formal criminal complaint over 43 statements allegedly inciting hostility against Senator Miguel Uribe, who remains in critical condition after a June 7 assassination attempt. The case can only deepen tensions amid a politically volatile pre-election campaign.

Petro Delivers Defiant Speech from Cali in Defense of His August 7 Referendum

By The City Paper Staff - June 12, 2025

Colombian President Gustavo Petro defended a binding referendum to bypass Congress and push labor reforms, sparking controversy over democratic norms. Critics accuse him of undermining institutions and consolidating an autocratic government by executive decree.

With Miguel Uribe in Critical Condition, FARC Dissidents Attack Southwest Colombia

By Richard Emblin - June 10, 2025

FARC dissidents have launched coordinated attacks across southwest Colombia, killing at least four and injuring dozens in Cauca, Valle del Cauca, and Cali. Explosions targeted police stations and infrastructure, while a sniper killed an officer. The violence follows the attempted assassination of Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay, who remains in critical condition.

Colombia braces for 48-hour National Strike as Petro calls for popular revolt

By The City Paper Staff - May 22, 2025

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has backed a two-day national strike on May 28–29, urging mass mobilizations after Congress blocked his popular consultation. Labor unions will lead protests amid growing political tensions and institutional deadlock.

Petro’s mockery of Senator Barrera and his horse sparks outrage

By The City Paper Staff - March 20, 2025

Colombian President Gustavo Petro faced backlash for mocking Casanare Senator Alirio Barrera’s grief over his horse’s death. Critics condemned Petro’s remark as cruel and a deflection from his labor reform’s failure, highlighting his tendency to replace debate with personal attacks on social media.

Petro’s Civic Day rallies thousands, but Senate rejects contentious Labor Reform

By Richard Emblin - March 18, 2025

Thousands marched in Bogotá on Petro’s “Civic Day” to pressure Congress into passing his labor reform, but the Senate rejected the bill. Petro condemned lawmakers, warning of a referendum push as political tensions between his administration and Congress escalate.

Petro mobilizes Civic Day to defy Congress on social reforms

By The City Paper Staff - March 17, 2025

Colombia’s Gustavo Petro has declared March 18 a “Civic Day” to rally support for his social reforms, bypassing Congress. By pressuring workers to march, Petro risks deepening political divides and setting a dangerous precedent of governance through mass mobilization over the due legislative process.