Gustavo Petro’s four-year term as president of Colombia ended on August 7 after a low-key ceremony at Plaza de Armas in Bogotá. Petro left the stone courtyard of the presidential palace accompanied by his family and a small group of cabinet members who remained in office.
The ceremony, accompanied by the Presidential Guard Battalion, featured no large audience, flags, formal transfer symbols or elaborate protocol. The traditional handover of the presidential sash was also omitted; the departure took place within the minimum protocol required by the constitution.
Contrasting handover ceremonies in two cities
In contrast to the modest ceremony in Bogotá, Abelardo de la Espriella assumed the presidency in Cali, about 500 kilometers away, at a more elaborate ceremony attended by crowded stands and foreign guests. The contrasting scenes displayed in the two cities on the same day became a symbol of Colombia’s deepening political polarization.
In the final hours before the change of government, Petro hesitated to recognize the election results and described the incoming administration as an “illegitimate government.” The former president also alleged systematic vote fraud at more than 1,600 polling stations.
Reform agenda blocked in Congress
When Petro took office in August 2022, he pledged to implement “Total Peace” to change the economic model, redistribute wealth, move away from fossil fuels and end the country’s armed conflicts.
The government’s program included abolishing private health promotion organizations and establishing a universal basic healthcare system under state administration, expanding pension coverage for low-income older people and conducting parallel negotiations with armed groups.
Following disagreements over healthcare reform, the broad legislative coalition broke apart in early 2023. Unable to establish a lasting majority in Congress, the government’s main initiatives were blocked, delayed or scaled back.
Under “Total Peace,” simultaneous negotiations with the National Liberation Army, dissident groups from the FARC and powerful criminal organizations also drew intense criticism. Assessments that criminal organizations expanded their regional control and military capacity during the process came to the fore.
Nevertheless, measurable progress was achieved in poverty and unemployment during Petro’s presidency. The administration also increased access to the presidency for a wider range of social groups.
Corruption allegations deepen political tensions
The government, which came to power promising to combat corruption, faced controversies that undermined its credibility throughout its term. Allegations emerged that disaster-relief funds had been embezzled and diverted to bribe congressional leaders in exchange for support for reform bills.
Petro’s son, Nicolas, was detained in 2023 on money-laundering charges. The detention followed allegations that illegal campaign contributions had been received during the 2022 presidential election.
National electoral authorities also launched an investigation into allegations that spending limits were exceeded during the 2022 presidential campaign. The inquiries led to years of tensions between the institutions and the government.
Controversies involving Petro’s inner circle continued during the final weeks of his presidency. Family members and former supporters publicly criticized his governing approach and political appointments.
Throughout his term, Petro frequently clashed publicly with the high courts, the attorney general’s office and major business organizations. He described institutional opposition as an attempt to carry out a “soft coup” against his government.
Petro retained support in rural areas, labor organizations and marginalized communities, but his confrontational political style alienated middle-class urban voters and traditional political circles.
In one of the final online photos he shared before leaving office, Petro posed in his office beside a portrait of Simón Bolívar. He described the portrait as “my fellow fighter in the abandoned presidential office.”
Petro placed economic inequality, climate policy and social justice at the center of Colombia’s political agenda. However, unable to turn his broad ambitions into lasting legislative achievements, his administration left behind a politically isolated picture at the end of its term.
