Influencers of petrismo are divided: a sector complains that it has not been taken into account in spaces with the President

Influencers aligned with the leftist political movement known as Petroism have shown signs of internal division, with some accusing the administration of favoring a select group over others. The controversy emerged after a meeting held at the Presidential Palace, Casa de Nariño, on July 24, during which several content creators were invited to engage directly with President Gustavo Petro and members of his cabinet. Among them were figures such as Laura Beltrán, known online as Lalis, and Senator Walter Rodríguez, who have played key roles in supporting Petro’s political agenda since the 2022 election. The tensions escalated following a viral video shared by a prominent figure, Macafolla, alongside Lalis, which sparked outrage among certain influencers. María Fernanda Cabal, a well-known activist, responded with sharp criticism, calling the situation “complete shame.” This reaction highlighted growing frustration within parts of the left-wing content creation community, which has long been instrumental in shaping public discourse around Petro’s policies. Viviana Vargas, another influential voice in this space, publicly criticized former Technology Minister Andrés López, alleging that he had favored a small group of influencers close to Petro’s inner circle. In an audio message released by Semana, Vargas accused López of monopolizing decisions affecting alternative media ecosystems, effectively sidelining broader efforts by independent creators. She emphasized that many of these individuals had contributed significantly to Petro’s rise to power, often at personal risk, yet had not received proportional recognition or support. Laura Beltrán, one of the invitees to the presidential meeting, was present along with other content creators who have represented progressive causes through their platforms. Some of them, including David Porras, used the occasion to make pointed statements, drawing parallels between current struggles for national sovereignty and historical movements led by figures like Simón Bolívar. Porras, holding up his phone, remarked that modern activists must wield digital tools to reclaim Colombia’s independence from perceived foreign influence, particularly from the United States. Despite the high-profile gathering, not all voices in the Petroist network felt adequately represented. Approximately 30 content creators attended the meeting, while others who had actively supported Petro’s campaign since 2022 claimed they were excluded. These individuals argue that their contributions, spanning years of grassroots engagement and social media advocacy, have gone unrecognized, creating a sense of betrayal among those who once saw themselves as integral to the movement. Vargas further noted that some influencers in Petro’s inner circle lack deep knowledge of Colombia’s diverse regions and communities, relying instead on online presence alone to assert influence. This critique suggests a disconnect between the ideological goals of the movement and the practical realities faced by local populations. It also raises questions about the sustainability of a political strategy that depends heavily on digital visibility rather than tangible policy impact. The fallout from the meeting has prompted calls for greater transparency and inclusivity within the political process. Jorge Laverde, a journalist and activist, has announced plans to file a formal complaint with the Attorney General's Office, alleging that certain actions could constitute a form of political persecution aimed at undermining his bid for the position of Comptroller General. Such developments underscore the complex dynamics at play, as the political landscape continues to evolve under Petro’s leadership.