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Petro Condemns secret Ballots, Defends Nationalization Policies Amidst Political Fallout
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A wave of controversy has erupted following the recent election of Carlos Camargo to the Constitutional Court adn escalating disputes over government policy, with President Gustavo Petro delivering a series of forceful statements on transparency, privatization, and foreign relations. The President’s remarks, made on September 7, 2025, signal a deepening rift with political opponents and even members of his own coalition.
Constitutional Court Vote Sparks Transparency Debate
The election of Carlos Camargo, who defeated a candidate backed by the presidential office – known as Casa de Nariño – has ignited a debate over the fairness of the selection process for constitutional Court magistrates. Petro sharply criticized the use of secret ballots in the vote, arguing that such practices undermine democratic principles. “Never a progressive bench in a congress or parliament must use the secret vote, so the norm allows it,” he stated.”It has nothing to hide and democracy must be clear. I ask you not to use the secret vote, and publicly show your vote.” He went on to assert that secrecy is “of the mafias.”
The president’s comments came after reports that several lawmakers aligned with his administration did not support María Patricia balanta, a lawyer from vallecaucana, during the final vote. Government officials reportedly viewed this as a “betrayal,” highlighting the internal tensions within the ruling coalition. Petro emphasized the importance of consistency and adherence to core principles for those representing the progressive movement, stating that “whoever represents the progressive movement knows that it must be consistent, firm, to risk, and that the future is with us if we do not abandon the foundations of science.”
Airport Nationalization and Privatization Clash
The government’s decision to transfer operation of the Alfonso bonilla Aragón airport in Cali to civil aeronautics has also drawn sharp criticism. Opponents, including presidential candidate Mauricio Cárdenas, argue that the move will lead to increased bureaucracy and hinder regional development. Cárdenas suggested a concession model to modernize the airport, a proposal Petro vehemently rejected.
“Stop privatizing,” Petro declared, linking privatization to increased illicit activity. “The more you privatized, the more cocaine exports were performed at airports. The roads are cheaper and the railroads are cheaper if it is indeed the state that builds if it is a private with the private bank that finances.” This stance underscores the administration’s commitment to state control over key infrastructure projects.
Diplomatic tensions and Foreign Policy Assertions
The President also responded to news that Fenalco Antioquia, a business association, supports the trip of Medellín Mayor Federico gutiérrez to Washington D.C.on September 8. The organization’s director, María José bernal, stated that the United States is a crucial ally in intelligence and combating organized crime, implying a divergence between Gutiérrez’s actions and Petro’s policies.
Petro dismissed Fenalco’s influence,stating,”It is not Fenalco,the strange dome of great importers,motorcycles and other things,who supports or not a trip of a public official. It can travel where they want to feel.” He further asserted that any mayor acting in a capacity that encroaches on the president’s constitutional functions is committing a crime, and delivered a scathing rebuke referencing past actions, stating, “For something you without apologizing to society, let a member of their Board as a defense minister and bombarded children as in Gaza.”
