Colombians to vote for president amid generalized discontent
2 years, 6 months ago

Colombians to vote for president amid generalized discontent

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The ballot includes former rebel Gustavo Petro, who could become Colombia's first leftist president Sunday if he can get the 50% of the votes needed to win in the first round. Behind him are a populist real estate tycoon promising monetary rewards for tips on corrupt officials and a right-wing candidate who has tried to distance himself from the widely disliked conservative current president, Iván Duque. Official figures showed that 39% of Colombia’s 51.6 million residents lived on less than $89 a month last year, which has a slight improvement from the 42.5% rate from 2020.

Colombia Country Vote President Sign Colombians Petro Duque Farc  peace  president  armed  campaign  country  colombias  vote  verifyerrors  sign  amid  colombians  corruption  discontent  real  generalized

History of this topic

Colombian electoral authorities investigate President Gustavo Petro’s 2022 campaign
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Colombian electoral authorities investigate President Gustavo Petro’s 2022 campaign

LA Times  

Electoral authorities in Colombia on Tuesday ruled in favor of investigating financial misconduct allegations against the 2022 campaign that got President Gustavo Petro elected. The council’s decision came after two of its 10 magistrates presented a report alleging that Petro’s presidential campaign exceeded financial limits by about $1.2 million. But the country’s Council of State last month ruled that the …

Real estate magnate who came close to winning Colombia’s presidential election dies from cancer
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Real estate magnate who came close to winning Colombia’s presidential election dies from cancer

Associated Press  

BOGOTA, Colombia — Rodolfo Hernández, a controversial real estate magnate and anti-corruption crusader who came close to winning Colombia’s presidential election two years ago, has died from colon cancer at a hospital near the city of Bucaramanga, his doctors said Monday in a statement. Hernández, a civil engineer and former mayor of Bucaramanga, surprised Colombians in 2022 when he made …

Why are Harry and Meghan going to Colombia on the royal tour and why is it controversial?
4 months, 1 week ago

Why are Harry and Meghan going to Colombia on the royal tour and why is it controversial?

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The royal couple will be …

Colombia’s President pushes for health, labour changes as he opens new session of Congress
5 months ago

Colombia’s President pushes for health, labour changes as he opens new session of Congress

The Hindu  

Colombia's government will propose legislation aimed at overhauling the health sector and will pursue changes to labour laws, President Gustavo Petro said on July 20 as he inaugurated a new session of the Congress. Mr. Petro, Colombia’s first left-wing President, has pushed an ambitious set of economic changes that include changing the pension system, raising the minimum wage and redistributing …

Petro Shakes Up Colombia’s Cabinet as His Economic Reforms Stall
5 months, 2 weeks ago

Petro Shakes Up Colombia’s Cabinet as His Economic Reforms Stall

Live Mint  

-- President Gustavo Petro reshuffled Colombia’s cabinet as the leftist leader approaches the midpoint of his four-year term with his flagship economic reforms under threat in congress and the courts. Juan Fernando Cristo, an ally of former President Juan Manuel Santos, will take over the interior ministry, Petro announced Wednesday in a post on X. Cristo will be tasked with …

Colombia veers to the right as President Petro’s allies lose by wide margins in regional elections
1 year, 1 month ago

Colombia veers to the right as President Petro’s allies lose by wide margins in regional elections

Associated Press  

BOGOTA, Colombia — Allies of President Gustavo Petro lost by wide margins in municipal and provincial elections Sunday, in what analysts called a sign of growing discontent with Colombia’s first left-wing government. Some analysts said Sunday’s outcome threatens Petro’s efforts to get the congress to make significant changes to the nation’s health system and its labor laws. Pedro Medellin, a …

Opinión: Las luchas entre Gustavo Petro y los medios de comunicación colombianos agitan el populismo latinoamericano
1 year, 2 months ago

Opinión: Las luchas entre Gustavo Petro y los medios de comunicación colombianos agitan el populismo latinoamericano

LA Times  

El presidente colombiano Gustavo Petro, a la derecha, levanta el pulgar junto a otros presidentes en la Cumbre de la Comunidad Andina en Lima, Perú, el lunes 29 de agosto de 2022. Lo que ocurre en el interior del territorio colombiano es alarmante, en medio de las crecientes tensiones entre el presidente de la República, Gustavo Petro, de tendencia izquierdista, …

Opinion: Struggles between Gustavo Petro and Colombia’s media stir Latin American populism
1 year, 2 months ago

Opinion: Struggles between Gustavo Petro and Colombia’s media stir Latin American populism

LA Times  

Colombian President Gustavo Petro, right, gives a thumb’s up alongside other presidents at the Andean Community Summit in Lima, Peru, Monday, August 29, 2022. “Journalists live in a permanent state of threats and intimidation,” Guatemalan journalist Julia Corado told an international media outlet. However, Colombia’s regional media outlets face many pressures, according to the Foundation for Freedom of the Press, …

Opinión: Oppenheimer español: ¿Tiene Colombia un presidente ‘part-time’?
1 year, 3 months ago

Opinión: Oppenheimer español: ¿Tiene Colombia un presidente ‘part-time’?

LA Times  

ARCHIVO - El candidato presidencial Gustavo Petro, en el centro, es acompañado por su hijo Nicolás Petro, a la derecha, en la jornada electoral del 29 de mayo de 2022 en Bogotá, Colombia. Pero ahora, tras un año de la presidencia de Petro, las constantes ausencias inexplicadas del presidente colombiano de sus compromisos oficiales son un tema de primera plana …

Colombia’s first leftist president is stalled by congress and a campaign finance scandal
1 year, 4 months ago

Colombia’s first leftist president is stalled by congress and a campaign finance scandal

Associated Press  

BOGOTA, Colombia — Colombian President Gustavo Petro took office a year ago laying out ambitious goals for the nation’s first leftist government. A campaign finance scandal involving Petro’s eldest son, which broke out earlier this summer, has further weakened the government, with some analysts saying Petro’s capacity to change Colombia’s laws has been severely wounded. And it approved a legal …

Spain expresses backing for Colombia peace plan
1 year, 7 months ago

Spain expresses backing for Colombia peace plan

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

Colombia's Petro urges Spain to lead EU on climate change
1 year, 7 months ago

Colombia's Petro urges Spain to lead EU on climate change

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Colombian …

Colombian President Petro meets Biden in Washington, DC
1 year, 8 months ago

Colombian President Petro meets Biden in Washington, DC

Al Jazeera  

The two leaders discussed issues such as climate change, migration and drug trafficking in a White House meeting. Colombian President Gustavo Petro has met US President Joe Biden on Thursday, as the two countries seek to confront issues such as climate change, migration and drug policy. Biden, meanwhile, echoed Petro’s call for greater cooperation between their two countries, particularly as …

Colombians take to the streets in favour of healthcare reforms
1 year, 10 months ago

Colombians take to the streets in favour of healthcare reforms

Al Jazeera  

Proposed reforms aim to expand healthcare access as part of President Gustavo Petro’s agenda on poverty and inequality. Thousands of people in the South American nation of Colombia have taken to the streets to rally in favour of proposed economic and social reforms put forward by President Gustavo Petro. pic.twitter.com/DTDLtAKYeC — Gustavo Petro February 14, 2023 Petro’s push for expanded …

Venezuela, Colombia name ambassadors in attempt to repair ties
2 years, 4 months ago

Venezuela, Colombia name ambassadors in attempt to repair ties

Al Jazeera  

Venezuela, Colombia appoint envoys to each other’s capitals, aiming to restore relations that have been broken for more than three years. Venezuela and Colombia have appointed ambassadors to each other, days after the inauguration of Colombia’s first left-wing president, Gustavo Petro, who has promised to mend ties with its neighbour. The newly elected Colombian president said Armando Benedetti, a former …

Colombia’s new president Petro proposes ambitious tax reforms
2 years, 4 months ago

Colombia’s new president Petro proposes ambitious tax reforms

Al Jazeera  

The reforms are key to Gustavo Petro’s vision of building a more equitable country, with less reliance on oil revenues. The move on Monday by the country’s first leftist leader, was the first step to fulfilling his promise to millions of Colombians, like Maydany Salcedo, a 47-year-old social leader from the Putumayo province, who watched the inauguration Sunday with high …

Ex-rebel takes oath as Colombian president in historic shift
2 years, 4 months ago

Ex-rebel takes oath as Colombian president in historic shift

Associated Press  

BOGOTA, Colombia — Colombia’s first leftist president was sworn into office Sunday, promising to fight inequality and bring peace to a country long haunted by bloody feuds between the government, drug traffickers and rebel groups. On Sunday, he said Colombia was getting a “second chance” to tackle violence and poverty and promised that his government would implement economic policies that …

Gustavo Petro sworn in as Colombia’s president
2 years, 4 months ago

Gustavo Petro sworn in as Colombia’s president

Al Jazeera  

Gustavo Petro takes office promising to achieve peace with armed groups and to fight inequality and climate change. Gustavo Petro, a former rebel fighter, has been sworn in as Colombia’s first left-wing president. “The challenges and tests that we have as a nation demand a period of unity and basic consensus.” Petro, a 62-year-old former senator, has promised to revive …

Colombia: Ex-rebel sworn in as president in historic shift
2 years, 4 months ago

Colombia: Ex-rebel sworn in as president in historic shift

Firstpost  

Sen. Gustavo Petro, a former member of Colombia’s M-19 guerrilla group, won the presidential election in June by beating conservative parties that offered moderate changes to the market-friendly economy Bogota: Colombia’s first leftist president will be sworn into office on Sunday, promising to combat inequality and marking a pivotal moment in the history of a nation still plagued by a …

Venezuela and Colombia agree to re-establish diplomatic ties
2 years, 4 months ago

Venezuela and Colombia agree to re-establish diplomatic ties

Al Jazeera  

Countries will name new ambassadors when Colombia’s President-elect Gustavo Petro takes office next month, officials say. Colombia and Venezuela will appoint new ambassadors in their respective capitals when Colombian President-elect Gustavo Petro takes office next month, authorities said, in an effort to rebuild diplomatic relations after years of tension. That fuelled tensions between the neighbours, with Colombia’s outgoing President Ivan …

Colombia: president-elect looks to build governing coalition
2 years, 5 months ago

Colombia: president-elect looks to build governing coalition

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Petro, a former Bogotá mayor and a member of the M-19 rebel group that …

Leftist’s election to test Colombia’s alliance with US
2 years, 6 months ago

Leftist’s election to test Colombia’s alliance with US

Associated Press  

BOGOTA, Colombia — It’s one of the United States’ few enduring alliances in an often-turbulent Latin America, one built around a decades-long partnership combating the nation’s drug cartels. In other areas, such as trade and Venezuela, Petro could also clash with the U.S. His campaign platform calls for the creation of “smart tariffs” to protect Colombia’s countryside from agricultural imports …

Leftist's election to test Colombia's alliance with US
2 years, 6 months ago

Leftist's election to test Colombia's alliance with US

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. In other areas, such as trade and Venezuela, …

Election of leftist Gustavo Petro as president will test Colombia’s alliance with U.S.
2 years, 6 months ago

Election of leftist Gustavo Petro as president will test Colombia’s alliance with U.S.

LA Times  

Gustavo Petro shows his ballot before voting in the presidential runoff in Bogota, Colombia, on Sunday. But Gustavo Petro’s election as Colombia’s first leftist president is likely to test the U.S.’ special relationship with a major non-NATO ally like never before. In other areas, such as trade and Venezuela, Petro could also clash with the U.S. His campaign platform calls …

Colombian voters elect country’s first Black vice president
2 years, 6 months ago

Colombian voters elect country’s first Black vice president

Associated Press  

BOGOTA, Colombia — As Colombia’s voters put aside a longtime antipathy to leftists and chose one as their new president, they also carved out another milestone — electing the country’s first Black vice president. “She’s completely different than any another person that’s ever had a vice presidency in Colombia,” said Gimena Sanchez, the Andes director for the Washington Office on …

Petro faces challenges to deliver Colombians promised change
2 years, 6 months ago

Petro faces challenges to deliver Colombians promised change

Associated Press  

BOGOTA, Colombia — Colombia for the first time elected a leftist as president, but the slim victory is a cue that a large portion of the country rejects the ambitious proposals of Gustavo Petro, who will have to consider their concerns and negotiate with a divided Congress to deliver on promises. “Petro has set very high expectations from his proposals, …

Colombia election: Latin America leftist leaders praise Petro win
2 years, 6 months ago

Colombia election: Latin America leftist leaders praise Petro win

Al Jazeera  

Former rebel Petro’s victory marks the first time in history Colombia has elected a left-wing candidate as president. The victory of Gustavo Petro in Colombia’s presidential election has continued a leftward swing in Latin America – and was quickly praised by left-wing leaders across the region and the world. Argentina’s President Alberto Fernandez, who took office in 2019 after running …

Ex-rebel fighter Gustavo Petro wins Colombia’s presidency
2 years, 6 months ago

Ex-rebel fighter Gustavo Petro wins Colombia’s presidency

Al Jazeera  

Gustavo Petro, a former member of the M-19 movement, wins Colombia’s presidential run-off with 50.5 percent of the vote. “I sincerely hope that this decision is beneficial for everyone.” ‘Change for the better’ As results rolled in at the Petro campaign celebration in Bogota, supporter Alejandro Forero, 40, cried. Petro’s supporters “say this is the time for real change in …

‘Lesser of two evils’: Uncertainty reigns as Colombia votes
2 years, 6 months ago

‘Lesser of two evils’: Uncertainty reigns as Colombia votes

Al Jazeera  

Participation is expected to be low as people decide between a left-wing candidate and so-called Colombian Donald Trump. Polls have closed in Colombia’s presidential election, as voters turned out to choose between a former rebel pushing profound social change and a millionaire businessman who has vowed to fight corruption. Abstention is expected to be high on Sunday as voters face …

Former rebel Gustavo Petro wins Colombia's presidential election
2 years, 6 months ago

Former rebel Gustavo Petro wins Colombia's presidential election

NPR  

Former rebel Gustavo Petro wins Colombia's presidential election toggle caption Fernando Vergara/AP BOGOTA, Colombia — Former rebel Gustavo Petro narrowly won a runoff election over a political outsider millionaire Sunday, ushering in a new era of politics for Colombia by becoming the country's first leftist president. Enlarge this image toggle caption Ivan Valencia/AP Ivan Valencia/AP Petro's showing was the latest …

Scandals, uncertainty hang over Colombia as election looms
2 years, 6 months ago

Scandals, uncertainty hang over Colombia as election looms

Al Jazeera  

Many voters remain undecided after campaign marked by death threats, scandals and preemptive fraud claims. “Petro’s campaign has focused on attacking Rodolfo,” Beccassino told Al Jazeera. “It is a much quieter campaign,” said Petro’s chief debate strategist, Alfonso Prada. “A campaign where Petro listens to the people very closely, talking to a fisherman, to a small businessman, an entrepreneur, to …

Colombia: Will elections further divide the country?
2 years, 6 months ago

Colombia: Will elections further divide the country?

Al Jazeera  

On Thursday, June 16 at 19:30 GMT: Colombians will head to the polls again on June 19, in what’s anticipated to be a close run-off presidential election between two anti-establishment candidates: leftist Gustavo Petro and conservative populist Rodolfo Hernandez. It’s a crucial time for the country, with growing numbers of Colombians facing poverty, extreme income inequality, and a resurgence in …

Colombia presidential race to runoff; leftist vs businessman
2 years, 6 months ago

Colombia presidential race to runoff; leftist vs businessman

Associated Press  

BOGOTA, Colombia — In a blow to Colombia’s political class, a leftist former rebel and a populist businessman took the top two spots in the country’s presidential election Sunday and headed to a runoff showdown in June. “Colombia’s total vote launches that message to the world: A period is ending; an era is ending.” A victory for Petro would usher …

A leftist will face a businessman as Colombia's presidential race heads to a runoff
2 years, 6 months ago

A leftist will face a businessman as Colombia's presidential race heads to a runoff

NPR  

A leftist will face a businessman as Colombia's presidential race heads to a runoff Enlarge this image toggle caption Fernando Vergara/AP Fernando Vergara/AP BOGOTA, Colombia — In a blow to Colombia's political class, a leftist former rebel and a populist businessman took the top two spots in the country's presidential election Sunday and headed to a runoff showdown in June. …

Colombians vote in divisive presidential election
2 years, 6 months ago

Colombians vote in divisive presidential election

Al Jazeera  

Leftist candidate Gustavo Petro was leading in polls and well on his way to become Colombia’s next president. With his proposals to boost social investment, halt new oil exploration, and dismantle the notorious riot police known as ESMAD, Petro is well on his way to become Colombia’s first left-wing president. His running mate, Afro-Colombian environmental activist Francia Marquez, who placed …

Leftist and businessman head to Colombian election runoff
2 years, 6 months ago

Leftist and businessman head to Colombian election runoff

Al Jazeera  

Leftist former guerilla fighter Gustavo Petro will face populist businessman Rodolfo Hernandez in a second round of Colombia’s presidential election. A leftist former rebel fighter has come out on top in the first round of Colombia’s presidential election and is set to face a populist businessman in a second round showdown on June 19. “Now it’s about seeing what we …

Populism, desire for change mark Colombia’s presidential vote
2 years, 6 months ago

Populism, desire for change mark Colombia’s presidential vote

Al Jazeera  

Colombians will head to the polls on May 29 to elect their next president after an often heated and divisive campaign. Bogota, Colombia – As Colombia prepares for the first round of its highly contested presidential elections on Sunday, the word that seems to be on everyone’s mind is “change”. On the other side is conservative civil engineer Federico “Fico” …

Ex-rebel emerges as favorite in Colombian presidential race
2 years, 7 months ago

Ex-rebel emerges as favorite in Colombian presidential race

Associated Press  

FUSAGASUGA, Colombia — Flanked by bodyguards with bulletproof shields, Gustavo Petro stood on a stage and lashed out at Colombia’s political elite in a speech to the residents of Fusagasuga, a rural town where farmers are struggling. “We want a country where the state provides fundamental rights like education and health, and can finance them because there is a productive …

Leftist is frontrunner after Colombia presidential primaries
2 years, 9 months ago

Leftist is frontrunner after Colombia presidential primaries

Associated Press  

BOGOTA, Colombia — Colombians voted for a new congress Sunday and also cast ballots in presidential primaries to choose party candidates for the May presidential contest, as the country held its first elections since the coronavirus pandemic began two years ago. A group of centrist parties known as the Hope Coalition got 2 million voters in its primary, which was …

Leftist is frontrunner after Colombia presidential primaries
2 years, 9 months ago

Leftist is frontrunner after Colombia presidential primaries

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Colombians voted for a new …

Colombia elections: Petro takes lead, Congress divided
2 years, 9 months ago

Colombia elections: Petro takes lead, Congress divided

Al Jazeera  

Election results show a polarised country, with no coalition able to form a majority in the Congress of Colombia. Bogota, Colombia – In presidential and legislative elections, Colombian voters signalled they want change, solidifying a left-wing former guerrilla member’s lead in the presidential race, and splitting the country’s Congress between right and left. “Because if the country continues like it …

Colombians vote for a new congress and presidential candidates
2 years, 9 months ago

Colombians vote for a new congress and presidential candidates

NPR  

Colombians vote for a new congress and presidential candidates Enlarge this image toggle caption Fernando Vergara/AP Fernando Vergara/AP BOGOTA, Colombia — Colombians voted for a new congress Sunday and also cast ballots in presidential primaries to choose party candidates for the May presidential contest, as the country held its first elections since the coronavirus pandemic began two years ago. Sponsor …

Venezuelan migrants welcome new Colombian protection measure
3 years, 10 months ago

Venezuelan migrants welcome new Colombian protection measure

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Mercy Corps a humanitarian group …

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