Winning the 2022 presidential election with 50.42 percent of the vote, Gustavo Petro became the first left-wing president in recent Colombian history. His tenure saw a shift in domestic policy that prioritized land redistribution, increased social spending, and higher minimum wages, while foreign policy initiatives included normalizing relations with Venezuela and suspending diplomatic ties with Israel.
Early Militancy and Political Transition
Born in 1960 in Ciénaga de Oro, Petro joined the 19th of April Movement (M-19) guerrilla group at age 17. Operating under the pseudonym Aureliano, he engaged in community-based actions, including land seizures for displaced families in Zipaquirá. Following his 1985 arrest by the army and subsequent imprisonment, he pivoted toward a negotiated political solution, ultimately participating in the peace process that integrated M-19 into the national political landscape.
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Petro established a long legislative career, serving in the Chamber of Representatives from 1991 to 1994 and again between 1998 and 2002. He later secured a seat in the Senate of Colombia from 2018 to 2022. Between these legislative roles, he served as the mayor of Bogotá from 2012 to 2014 and 2014 to 2015, following his election with the Humane Colombia party. His administrative history also includes diplomatic roles as an ambassador to Belgium and Luxembourg.
Academic Background
His formal education includes a bachelor's degree in economics from the Universidad Externado de Colombia, completed in 1982. He pursued further graduate coursework at the High School of Public Administration of Colombia, UCLouvain in Belgium, and the University of Salamanca. Investigations conducted in 2016 regarding his résumé indicated that while he completed coursework for specialized degrees, he did not fulfill the requirements for a master's or doctoral degree.
Presidential Tenure and Foreign Relations
As president from 2022 to 2026, Petro introduced the "Total Peace" policy, which intended to demobilize remaining armed groups, though the strategy faced criticism for its efficacy. His administration navigated complex international waters, experiencing a sharp deterioration in relations with the United States during the second term of Donald Trump. By 2025, the U.S. Treasury added Petro to the Specially Designated Nationals list, citing alleged involvement in the illicit drug trade.
Fast facts
- Born: 1960, Ciénaga de Oro
- Citizenship: Colombia and Italy
- President of Colombia: 2022–2026
- Mayor of Bogota: 2012–2014, 2014–2015
- Political Affiliation: Historic Pact
- Notable Award: Order of Boyacá (2022)
- Religion: Liberation theology
- Education: Universidad Externado de Colombia
Questions readers ask
What was the result of the 2026 presidential election?
Abelardo de la Espriella narrowly defeated Iván Cepeda, the candidate endorsed by Petro.
Did Petro hold other diplomatic positions before his presidency?
Yes, he served as the ambassador of Colombia to Belgium and Luxembourg between 1994 and 1996.
Achievements
- member of the Senate of Colombia (2006–2010)
- Mayor of Bogota (2012–2014)
- member of the Chamber of Representatives of Colombia (2002–2006)
- member of the Chamber of Representatives of Colombia (1991–1994)
- Order of Boyacá — 2022
- Order of San Carlos — 2022
- Collar of the Order of Isabella the Catholic — 2023
- Knight Grand Cordon with Collar of the Order of Palestine — 2024
- Educated at Universidad Externado de Colombia and University of Salamanca
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