Andrea Petro, the president's daughter, spoke to SEMANA about her father's alleged exile, the house for sale in Chia, the separation from Verónica Alcocer and Juliana Guerrero

Andrea Petro, daughter of President Gustavo Petro, spoke with SEMANA about her father’s potential exile, the sale of their home in Chía, and the separation from his partners, Verónica Alcocer and Juliana Guerrero. She expressed relief that her father’s presidency will end soon, though she acknowledged some unmet goals. The family has been exhausted by the political strain, particularly the personal attacks and misinformation they have faced throughout the four-year tenure. Andrea emphasized that the focus of media attention will shift after August 7, when Petro’s term ends, allowing them a much-needed respite. The president's administration is concluding amid controversy, including allegations against former minister Angie Rodríguez. Andrea described these claims as distractions, noting that while there are differences within the government, criticism is part of the process. She stated that her father plans to rest once his term concludes, though the specifics remain unclear. According to Andrea, Petro has not made public statements about leaving the country, and she doubts he would seek asylum. She pointed out that Petro is European and could live normally abroad without needing political protection, given the lack of immediate legal threats against him. Petro has reportedly expressed interest in living in Barcelona, as well as other cities such as France, Belgium, and Italy. However, Andrea noted that his decision to move overseas is unlikely due to practical constraints. He faces challenges related to U.S. sanctions under the Office of Foreign Assets Control (Ofac) list, which restricts travel and international movement. This makes it difficult for him to relocate, especially outside of Colombia. Andrea suggested that Petro might stay in the country for at least another year, despite the ongoing political noise surrounding his administration. The family’s residence in Chía, a wealthy suburb of Bogotá, is currently listed for sale. Andrea explained that the property has been available for ten years but has yet to find a buyer. She attributed this difficulty to the fact that the house is tied to Petro’s name, and both he and his ex-partner Verónica Alcocer are subject to Ofac restrictions. These factors complicate the sale, as financial transactions involving sanctioned individuals are heavily regulated. Andrea estimated the asking price to be around 2,000 to 3,000 million Colombian pesos, though she admitted she was unsure of the exact figure. She also mentioned that the property’s value has declined compared to newer developments in the area. The separation between Petro and Verónica Alcocer has further complicated matters, as they must divide assets and responsibilities. Andrea did not comment directly on the emotional impact of the split but noted that the legal process is ongoing. Meanwhile, rumors persist that Petro might consider exile, possibly alongside former Ecuadorian leader Rafael Correa in Belgium or Switzerland. However, Andrea dismissed the likelihood of such a move, arguing that Petro does not need to flee the country. She reasoned that he could live abroad temporarily without seeking formal asylum, given his European heritage and the absence of direct legal risks. As the final days of Petro’s presidency approach, the family prepares for a quieter life away from the spotlight. Andrea expressed hope that the transition will bring stability, even as the political landscape continues to evolve. While the future remains uncertain, she believes that the family deserves time to recover from the pressures of public life. For now, the focus is on moving forward, one step at a time.