Colombia’s Former President Plans to Travel Despite Earthquake Aftermath

Gustavo Petro, Colombia’s former Marxist president, announced on Thursday his intention to travel abroad as the country reels from the impact of a devastating earthquake earlier this week.

Colombia’s constitution, specifically Article 196, restricts former presidents from leaving the country within a year of their term’s end without Senate approval. Petro, who finished his presidency on August 7, 2026, was succeeded by conservative President Abelardo de la Espriela.

Local news outlets reported that Petro applied for a travel permit from the Colombian Senate on August 10, the same day a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Colombia, resulting in over 281 fatalities, almost 4,000 injuries, and 379 people missing, according to the latest figures.

According to El Tiempo, a Colombian newspaper, Petro cited personal, social, political, and academic commitments as reasons for his request to leave the country, although he did not disclose specific details about his travel plans. He did ask that the Senate consider his request in the next session.

The Colombian Senate approved Petro’s request with 73 votes in favor and 11 against, following a lengthy debate. Some lawmakers expressed concerns about Petro’s ongoing investigations, which include over 200 inquiries into various allegations, such as drug abuse and illegal funding during his presidency.

In a social media post, Petro acknowledged that he sought permission to travel but clarified that he hadn’t requested to leave Colombia for an entire year. He claimed that he values the Colombian people and their support, stating, “Why should I leave them?”

Petro insisted he can share his knowledge globally while maintaining his commitment to Colombia. He also referenced the US sanctions imposed on him last year as a factor in his situation.

The center-right Democratic Party, among the lawmakers supporting Petro’s request, emphasized that the party’s stance against him remains unchanged, and conditions were imposed on his travel approval. Petro must now report on his travel plans, and his movements will be monitored closely.

Former president Álvaro Uribe Vélez also weighed in, noting that conditions were placed on Petro similar to those he faced when resigning in 2010. Uribe pointed out that there isn’t a legal basis to deny Petro’s request and stressed the importance of civil discourse over emotional reactions on social media.