Colombian Congresswoman’s Fiery Speech Prompts President Petro to Walk Out
A blistering rebuke from Representative Lina María Garrido of the Radical Change Party dominated the opening session of Colombia’s Congress on Sunday, July 20, culminating in President Gustavo Petro’s abrupt departure from the Capitol building. Garrido’s speech, delivered within 15 minutes of the session’s start, quickly ignited social media and underscored deep divisions within the Colombian political landscape.
A “String of Lies” and a Dramatic Exit
During his two-and-a-half-hour address, President Petro defended his administration’s policies and leveled criticisms at his opponents. However, it was the response from Congresswoman Garrido – who previously voted for Petro – that proved most impactful. She directly challenged what she characterized as a series of falsehoods presented by the President, launching a forceful counter-narrative that reportedly led to his exit.
“Three years of being in the Congress of the Republic and today smells to sulfur,” Garrido began, referencing her background as the daughter of public school teachers from Arauca. She positioned herself as an outsider, contrasting her origins with what she portrayed as the President’s shifting political stances.
Accusations of Betrayal and Political Opportunism
Garrido’s speech was particularly pointed in its accusations regarding Vice President Francia Márquez. She alleged that Petro “disguised himself as a feminist, environmentalist, pacifist, democrat, transparent” during the campaign, and ultimately “used and instrumentalized” Márquez, whom she claimed he later betrayed. These claims resonated with opposition members and fueled the tense atmosphere in the Capitol.
The President’s response, along with several of his ministers – including Interior Minister Armando Benedetti and Chief of Staff Alfredo Saade – was demonstrative. They reportedly raised their fists in protest and left the chamber as opposition lawmakers shouted “liar.”
“I Gave Him So Hard That He Had to Run”
The impact of Garrido’s words was immediately apparent. Representative Catherine Juvinao praised the speech as “tremendous,” stating it was “to the jugular on each subject with an impressive forcefulness and eloquence.” Garrido herself did not shy away from claiming victory, stating, “I gave him so hard that he had to run. Coward!” in a social media post that quickly garnered over 3,000 shares.
The disruption extended beyond Petro’s departure. Representative David Carvalho, speaking on behalf of the Oxygen Party, expressed outrage that the President had not remained to hear his remarks. However, others, such as former Colombian Ambassador to the United Kingdom Roy Barreras, defended Petro’s decision, arguing that he had demonstrated a willingness to listen to opposition voices – including Garrido, Senator Paloma Valencia, and Marelen Castillo – unlike his predecessor.
Barreras stated via X (formerly Twitter) that Petro’s patience in listening to “the cataract of insults and verbal aggressions of the opposition” demonstrated a “democratic mood.”
A Divided Congress and a Contentious Start
The incident highlights the deep political polarization currently gripping Colombia. While some lauded Garrido’s forceful challenge to the President, others criticized her rhetoric as overly aggressive. The opening session of Congress, intended to mark a new legislative period, instead became a stage for a dramatic confrontation that underscored the challenges facing Petro’s administration.
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