Colombia - August 2022

On 7 August Gustavo Petro took office as President of Colombia, being the first politician from the centre-left to become elected. In his inaugural addresses, he has pledged to decrease poverty, promote unity and address the economic issues that have exacerbated inequality. He has also indicated a considerable shift in policy regarding Colombia’s relationship with Venezuela and, notably, the ‘war on drugs’. Petro has stated he is considering decriminalizing cocaine, and would seek partnerships with other countries in the region to shift the strategy against drugs, while other members of his cabinet have watered down such remarks.

Sources: Clarin, EFE, El Financiero, Reuters, The Washington Post