Gustavo Petro slams drug abuse claims by ex-minister as 'slanderous'

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
24 Apr 2025 07:38

Colombian President Gustavo Petro denies drug abuse allegations made by former ally Alvaro Leyva, after claims he disappeared during a 2023 Paris visit sparked political uproar.

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French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron welcome Gustavo Petro Urrego, centre, President of Colombia, before dinner at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Thursday, June 22, 2023 (AP)

Colombian President Gustavo Petro is facing fresh controversy after former Foreign Minister Alvaro Leyva publicly accused him of drug abuse, reigniting political tensions in the country. Leyva, once a close ally, made the allegations in an open letter released on Wednesday, claiming Petro disappeared for two days during an official visit to Paris in 2023.

Alvaro Leyva, an 82-year-old veteran politician and former peace negotiator, asserted that he witnessed signs of Petro’s alleged drug problem during their Paris visit.

"It was in Paris that I was able to confirm that you have a drug addiction problem," Leyva wrote, describing the experience as "embarrassing moments for me as a person and as foreign minister."

He did not provide further details about the incident, but the statement has fueled debate within Colombian political circles.

Petro denies drug abuse allegations, responds publicly

President Gustavo Petro swiftly dismissed the accusations, calling them slanderous. Posting on social media platform X, he defended his whereabouts during the Paris trip, stating that he spent the time with his daughter and grandchildren who reside in the French capital.

"I've simply been slandered," Petro said. "During an official visit by a head of state to France, there is always direct and permanent physical protection from the French secret service."

Es tan vulgar el escritor que olvidó decirles que en una visita oficial de un jefe de estado a Francia, siempre hay protección fisica directa y permanente del servicio secreto francés. Simplemente he sido calumniado. https://t.co/jVYhxQl6LE
— Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) April 23, 2025

"Don't I have daughters and granddaughters in Paris who are far more interesting than the writer?"

Petro humorously added that he was "addicted to love," further rejecting claims of substance abuse.

Political fallout and reactions in Colombia

Following Leyva's allegations, opposition lawmakers called for President Petro to undergo drug and psychiatric evaluations to determine his fitness to govern.

Although traditionally aligned with conservative politics, Leyva had maintained a close relationship with the leftist president, serving as a peace negotiator under various governments and running for the presidency twice himself.

Leyva’s suspension in early 2024 by Colombia’s inspector general over the mismanagement of a passport printing tender marked a turning point in their relationship. Petro had opposed the suspension, describing it as politically motivated. Since then, Leyva has hinted at concerns over Petro's alleged drug use.