Colombian Senate Approves Request for Former President Gustavo Petro to Leave Country
2 sources across 2 countries · Argentina · Colombia
Who reported this
- Infobae
- La Silla Vacia
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- Centre-left
- Centre
- Centre-right
- Right
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The Colombian Senate voted 73 to 11 on Wednesday to authorize former President Gustavo Petro to leave the country for one year. Petro requested the permission to fulfill political, social, academic, and economic commitments. Under Article 193 of the Constitution, former presidents must obtain Senate approval to travel abroad during the first year after leaving office.
The decision followed a debate involving various political factions. Some senators opposed the move by citing the numerous judicial processes Petro faces in the Commission of Accusations. One senator from the Green party mentioned that former officials from Petro's government are currently fugitives from justice. A center right framed perspective characterized the authorization as permitting a potential flight from justice, with one senator claiming Petro might use the trip to continue attacking Colombian democracy from abroad.
Conversely, a liberal senator argued that denying travel based on ongoing investigations would set a dangerous precedent that could restrict all former presidents. Some members of the right wing Centro Democrático party also voted in favor of the request. While Petro has not officially revealed his destination, reports suggest he may travel to Mexico to meet with allies in the Morena party and President Claudia Sheinbaum.
Additional complications regarding Petro's travel include his presence on the Clinton List by order of Donald Trump. This status prevents him from conducting certain international banking transactions, such as purchasing airline tickets from personal accounts.
How each side framed it
- Centre
- Focused on the legal requirements for travel and the specific political arguments and potential destinations.
- Centre-right
- Emphasized the accusations of corruption and the framing of the travel as a potential escape from justice.
Sources
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