Colombian President Gustavo Petro criticized former US President Donald Trump for openly endorsing conservative candidate Abelardo de la Espriella in Colombia’s upcoming presidential runoff election. Petro said, "Today, we have the president of the United States explicitly endorsing a candidate, violating his own constitution" during a June 10 UN Security Council address [1].
Trump had posted messages on Truth Social congratulating de la Espriella for his first-round victory held May 31. Trump called de la Espriella “a smart, strong, and tough leader” who “fights tirelessly for, and loves his Great Country and people” [1]. De la Espriella secured the lead in the first round of Colombia’s presidential election on May 31, triggering a runoff scheduled for June 21 [1].
On the same day Petro voiced his complaint, Gloria Arizabaleta, chair of Colombia’s House Impeachment Committee, filed a provisional motion to suspend Petro from office until the June 21 runoff. The suspension is intended to prevent Petro from campaigning during the election period. The move follows allegations that Petro improperly intervened politically to support leftist candidate Ivan Cepeda, his ally [1, 2].
The suspension proposal must be approved by Colombia’s Commission of Investigation and Accusation and then ratified by the Senate before it can take effect [2]. Colombian government spokesperson Miguel Silvera Padilla clarified that Petro has not yet been suspended and remains in office at this time [2].
Petro’s term as president is due to end in August 2026, after which the runoff election on June 21 will determine his successor. The runoff will be contested between Ivan Cepeda and Abelardo de la Espriella [2]. The suspension decision is expected to play a critical role in the final election stages leading up to that date.
