Petro Denies Drug Use Allegations Amid Calls for Investigation

Colombian President Gustavo Petro faces serious accusations from former Foreign Minister Álvaro Leyva, who alleges in a public letter that Petro disappeared for two days during an official trip to France in 2023 due to a drug addiction problem. Leyva claims these incidents, along with erratic behavior and absenteeism, cast doubt on Petro's fitness to govern, though he provides no concrete evidence. Petro has strongly denied the allegations, calling them slander and attributing his absence to spending time with his daughter and family in France—a claim confirmed by his daughter Andrea on social media. Petro also cited previous health issues preventing him from substance abuse, and responded to the accusations with humor. The allegations have sparked shock in the Colombian political scene, prompting calls from a former justice minister for an investigation into Petro's health. However, no independent evidence has surfaced to support Leyva's claims, and the controversy remains based solely on unsubstantiated statements.