Petro hält eine Abschiedsrede inmitten der Spannungen um die Machtübertragung in Kolumbien

Outgoing Colombian President Gustavo Petro is scheduled to deliver a farewell speech on Monday, following his call for nationwide protests as tensions persist over the disputed outcome of last month's presidential election and the nation's impending transfer of power. Petro has urged supporters to gather on July 20, Colombia’s Independence Day, for what he describes as a “general mobilisation to shout for independence and the continuation of social reforms.” This event precedes his planned address, marking a symbolic moment ahead of the new government’s formal assumption of authority. The date also coincides with the opening of the newly elected Congress, just over three weeks prior to President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella’s swearing-in on August 7. One of the immediate challenges awaiting lawmakers is de la Espriella’s proposal to hold his inauguration at a military base in southern Colombia rather than in Bogotá. He argues this location allows him to pay “a solemn tribute to the heroes of the homeland and to the military personnel who protect democracy, freedom, and institutional stability.” Petro has firmly rejected the plan, issuing an order on July 12 prohibiting the use of any military establishment for the ceremony. In a statement posted on X, he emphasized that “military and police bases remain under my command until the new president takes the oath of office,” and reiterated that the rules governing the transfer of power require the incoming leader to assume office before Congress convenes in full session. His remarks echoed longstanding accusations that the recent election was compromised by foreign interference, particularly from Israel. Petro has repeatedly claimed that the election, which de la Espriella narrowly won by less than one percent of the vote, was manipulated through unauthorized access to the National Registry’s website. He alleged that such actions were possible only by entities like Israel, though he has not provided evidence to substantiate these claims. Colombia’s Inspector General, Gregorio Eljach, has refuted the allegations, and international election observers have similarly concluded there is no credible evidence of electoral fraud. Despite his insistence on a peaceful transition, Petro announced on Tuesday that he will not attend de la Espriella’s inauguration. In response, the president-elect has accused Petro of orchestrating a “coup” to prevent his ascension, although no supporting evidence has been presented. De la Espriella, a right-wing lawyer backed by former U.S. President Donald Trump and a staunch ally of Israel, has vowed to restore diplomatic relations with Israel. On Thursday, he announced plans to establish a Colombian embassy in Jerusalem and to withdraw the country’s backing for South Africa’s legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice, alleging genocide. Petro, who cut ties with Israel in 2024 over its conflict with Hamas in Gaza, has condemned de la Espriella’s policies as an endorsement of violence. He referred to his successor as an “accomplice to genocide,” highlighting the deepening ideological divide between the two leaders. De la Espriella, meanwhile, has criticized Petro’s advocacy for civil disobedience, branding it as “urban terrorism” and pledging “no leniency” for anyone attempting to disrupt the constitutional order. As the political landscape in Colombia grows increasingly polarized, the coming weeks will likely see heightened public demonstrations and legal battles over the legitimacy of the election and the procedures surrounding the transfer of power. With Petro preparing to step down and de la Espriella poised to take office, the nation stands at a crossroads, with the potential for further escalation in the months ahead.