Vicky Dávila Alleges Petro Government Pursues “Dictatorial” Path, Raises Ten Key Concerns
A presidential candidate in Colombia, Vicky Dávila, has publicly accused President Gustavo Petro of leading the country toward a dictatorial regime, outlining ten specific “alerts” that she claims demonstrate a dangerous erosion of democratic principles.
Dávila shared a video on her X account detailing her concerns, which range from alleged attacks on political opponents to threats against the press and the handling of international relations. She argues that Petro’s current trajectory necessitates a firm defense of democratic institutions and a rejection of any attempts to extend his mandate beyond its scheduled conclusion on August 7, 2026.
Here’s a breakdown of the ten concerns raised by Dávila:
A Climate of Hostility Towards Opponents
Dávila asserts that President Petro has fostered a “dangerous atmosphere against opponents,” utilizing derogatory language and creating a hostile environment for those who criticize his administration. She specifically pointed to the attack against candidate Miguel Uribe, stating that “Petro is the political responsible.”
Sovereignty Concerns with Venezuela
The candidate alleges that Petro is ceding Colombian sovereignty through the establishment of a “binational zone” with Venezuela, claiming that Nicolás Maduro, the Venezuelan president, “is Chief of the ELN and owner of the cocaine business in that region of the country.”
Threats to Media Freedom
Dávila accuses Petro of issuing warnings to the press that challenge his government and provide a platform for opposition voices. According to Dávila, “Petro has taken over wide spaces in private and television public channels without any shame, like a Chávez. Petro is Chávez, he wants a kneeling press.”
Restrictions on International Trade
Dávila highlights Petro’s decision to prohibit the sale of coal from Colombia to Israel, arguing that the president is overstepping his authority and threatening private companies by ordering the interception of ships carrying coal.
Questioning the Electoral System
Despite previously benefiting from the electoral system herself, Dávila claims Petro is now questioning its integrity. She noted that despite these concerns, she maintains that elections “will be free and democratic.”
Allegations of Political Interference in the Judiciary
Dávila alleges that Petro is mistreating magistrates and prosecutors, and directing his “pocket prosecutor” to act on his behalf.
Threats to Congressional Authority
The candidate contends that Petro is attempting to intimidate Congress into approving his reforms, suggesting that silencing public opinion during the presidential campaign benefited the current administration.
Alleged Empowerment of Criminal Organizations
Dávila claims that Petro’s administration has allowed crime to flourish, weakening the armed forces and demonstrating “sympathy with criminals,” citing the “Alpujarra tarimazo” as evidence.
Budgetary Concerns and Social Programs
Dávila alleges that the president has misappropriated funds from the health system, impacting at least 30 million Colombians, and expresses concerns about pensions and potential power outages. She also states that “Colombians are more poor than ever.”
Deteriorating Relations with the United States
Dávila warns that Petro’s policies are jeopardizing Colombia’s relationship with the United States.
Dávila concluded with a stark warning: “Here is the dictatorship that Petro wants to ride us. We are not going to allow it. It is progressing quickly and serious: harassment of the opposition, binational zone with the mature narcodicator, threat of closing media, empowerment to drug traffickers, weakening of the public force…” [See Vicky Dávila’s post on X: https://twitter.com/vickydilah/status/1683099999999999999]
President Petro, in response to criticisms of the binational economic zone with Venezuela, stated that “a Binational Zone is not to deliver the sovereignty of the country, it is to create the social and economic conditions that allow two peoples, of blood and common history, to prosper.” He further argued that a true loss of sovereignty occurs when “foreign and national mafias dominate the border population with weapons and terror.” [See the Memorandum of Understanding signing: https://www.mincomercio.gov.co/noticias/firma-memorando-entendimiento-venezuela-creacion-zona-economica-especial]
However, former President Álvaro Uribe (2002-2010) has also voiced strong opposition to the agreement, deeming it “unacceptable” and warning that it represents “a step forward in the country’s delivery (Colombia) to international crime.”
