Is the Honeymoon Phase Over for President Petro?

Written by Joseph Cain | September 10, 2023

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Colombian public discontent with a lack of concrete progress from the Gustavo Petro administration is rising as local elections loom only a year after his inauguration. During his campaign for the presidency, Petro promised major changes and initiatives that would take place during his time in office, including a focus on expanding peace processes with armed groups, environmental protection, and social welfare in historically neglected parts of Colombia. However, a year in, Petro has largely failed to deliver on his campaign goals and is facing major challenges in his administration’s efforts via crumbling legislative support, personal scandals, and increasing disapproval from Colombia’s populace with their new leader. An unofficial referendum will take place on Petro’s rule in the way of local elections across Colombia set to take place October 29, 2023.

Elections will determine the governorships for all 32 of Colombia’s departments (equivalent to states in the US), 418 state representatives, 1102 mayors and 12,000 plus city council members across the nation, according to the Global Americans. According to an August Invamer poll, Petro’s approval rating has dropped from 56% at the onset of his presidency to 33%. According to Global Americans, 69% of Colombians believe the country is heading in the wrong direction, all pointing to potential losses for Petro’s allies come elections. 

Petro’s approval rating drop is most likely explained by his lack of achievements, outside of the 2022 Tax Reform and the approval of his National Development Plan. Petro’s challenges largely stem from overambitious goals and his now tenuous relationship with the Liberal, Conservative, and Union parties, which had provided him with a legislative majority in the Colombian legislature, according to Global Americans. Additionally, Petro has faced several scandals since he has taken office. His son was arrested in August for receiving illicit funds for his personal enrichment and his father’s campaign, weeks after leaked audio from senior Petro officials suggested additional potential campaign finance violations, according to the Washington Post. In the past week, Petro’s brother discussed voting irregularities that took place in different regions of Colombia that propelled Petro to the presidency in an interview with Caracol Television. Furthermore, during his first year in office, Petro has taken criticism domestically for missing approximately 100 official functions, replacing 11 ministers, and firing 96 senior officials, according to Juan Espinal, a member of the opposition.