Last Updated:

2024-02-08 22:25:39

Gustavo Petro

Colombian politician and current president

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Colombian politician and current president

Gustavo Francisco Petro Urrego is a Colombian politician, economist, and former guerrilla member. He became the first left-wing president of Colombia in 2022 after winning the election. Petro has a background in the M19 armed guerrilla movement and has held various political positions, including mayor of Bogotá.

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1960-04-19

Gustavo Francisco Petro Urrego's Birth

Gustavo Francisco Petro Urrego, a Colombian politician and economist, was born in Ciénaga de Oro, Colombia.

1974

Gustavo Francisco Petro Urrego Joins M-19

At the age of 17, Gustavo Francisco Petro Urrego became a member of the 19th of April Movement (M-19), a Colombian guerrilla organisation.

1985

Gustavo Francisco Petro Urrego Arrested by the Army

In 1985, Gustavo Francisco Petro Urrego was arrested by the army for the crime of illegal possession of arms and was sentenced to 18 months in prison.

1991

Gustavo Francisco Petro Urrego Elected to Chamber of Representatives

Gustavo Francisco Petro Urrego was elected to be a member of the Chamber of Representatives in the 1991 Colombian parliamentary election.

2002

Gustavo Francisco Petro Urrego Elected to the Chamber of Representatives

In 2002, Gustavo Francisco Petro Urrego was elected to the Chamber of Representatives representing Bogotá.

2005

Petro denounces Enilse López

In 2005, while a member of the Chamber of Representatives, Petro denounced the lottery businesswoman Enilse López, also known as 'La Gata', for ties to the paramilitary group AUC.

2007-04-17

Petro debates CONVIVIR and paramilitarism

On 17 April 2007, Petro began a debate in Congress about CONVIVIR and the development of paramilitarism in Antioquia Department, revealing documents demonstrating the relationship between members of the Colombian military, political leadership, narcotraffickers, and paramilitary groups.

2007-04-18

Vigilance and Security Superintendency rejects Petro's accusations

On 18 April 2007, the Vigilance and Security Superintendency released a communique rejecting Petro's accusations concerning the CONVIVIR groups, stating that many of the groups mentioned were authorized by the Departments of Sucre and Córdoba, but not by the Antioquia government.

2007-05-07

Colombian army captures intelligence officers spying on Petro

On 7 May 2007, the Colombian army captured two Colombian Army intelligence non-commissioned officers who had been spying on Petro and his family, initially claiming to be members of the Colombian Intelligence Agency.

2010

Petro's presidential campaign

In 2010, Gustavo Petro announced his interest in a presidential candidacy, proposing a 'great national accord to end Colombia's war' and ultimately becoming the Alternative Democratic Pole candidate for the 2010 presidential election.

2011-10-30

Petro wins municipal election in Bogotá

On 30 October 2011, Gustavo Petro won the municipal election in Bogota, becoming the first ex-guerrilla to hold such an important position in Colombia.

2013-12-09

Recall process

Gustavo Petro faced a recall process and was removed from his seat and banned from political activity for 15 years, following the sanctions stipulated by the law. His removal was upheld despite an injunction by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.

2014-03-19

Removal from office

Gustavo Petro was removed from office and President Juan Manuel Santos appointed a temporary replacement. However, Petro was later reinstated as mayor and finished his term.

2018-05-27

Gustavo Petro's Presidential Campaign in 2018

Gustavo Petro ran for president in 2018, achieving the second best result in the first round of voting on May 27. His campaign focused on universal health care, public banking, clean energy investment, and land reform. He advanced to the second round but was ultimately defeated by Iván Duque.

2021

Gustavo Petro Announces Candidacy for 2022 Elections

In 2021, Gustavo Petro declared his intention to run in the 2022 elections, outlining his campaign platform focused on promoting green energy, reducing economic inequality, and addressing climate change.

2022-02-22

Petro's Response to Decriminalization of Abortion

Petro congratulated the women who fought against the criminalization of abortion and emphasized the empowerment of women, sexual education, and freedoms as the best way to protect life, following the Colombian Constitutional Court's decision to decriminalize abortion.

2022-06-19

Gustavo Francisco Petro Urrego Wins 2022 Colombian Presidential Election

Gustavo Francisco Petro Urrego defeated Rodolfo Hernández Suárez in the second round of the 2022 Colombian presidential election on 19 June.

2022-07-26

Approval of the Escazú Agreement

The Senate approved the Escazú Agreement, an important environmental protection treaty in Latin America, fulfilling one of Petro's campaign promises. This was a significant political achievement for Petro's government.

2022-08-07

Gustavo Petro's Inauguration

Gustavo Petro was sworn in as the President of Colombia after negotiating with centrist and right-wing political parties to build a majority in Congress. His coalition included a dozen political groups and was considered 'moderate' by The Economist.

2022-08-11

Re-establishment of Diplomatic Relations with Venezuela

Colombia and Venezuela re-established diplomatic relations after a three-year break. This signaled a shift in foreign policy under Petro's presidency.

2022-08-12

Reshaping of Military Command

Gustavo Petro appointed a new military command with the objective of substantially increasing respect for human rights and public freedoms. This move was in response to the army command's lack of support for Petro's presidency.

2022-09-20

Gustavo Petro's Speech at the United Nations General Assembly

Gustavo Petro delivered a notable speech at the United Nations General Assembly on September 20, 2022, addressing the climate crisis and the impact of cocaine, coal, and oil on humanity.

2022-09-26

Protests Against Petro's Reforms

Protests began in Colombia against cross-sectoral structural reforms of President Petro and his government. These protests reflected public discontent with Petro's political agenda and alleged campaign finance issues.

2023-11-28

Liberal Party Leaves Petro's Coalition

The Liberal Party left Gustavo Petro's governing coalition, citing significant ideological differences. This departure impacted the composition of Petro's government.

End of the Timeline
Gustavo Petro