2024-09-07 05:34:42
In a recent decision, the Third Section of the Council of State ordered President Gustavo Petro to publicly retract his statements against Enrique Vargas Lleras, brother of former Vice President Germán Vargas Lleras, after questioning the financial management of the Nueva EPS.
The high court concluded that the president’s statements lacked an adequate basis for verification and demanded a public rectification.
The controversy began when Petro, through his account on X (formerly Twitter), pointed out the Vargas Lleras family of being involved in an alleged multi-million dollar embezzlement related to the Nueva EPS. According to the president, the entity’s poor management had led to the company’s bankruptcy, hiding debts of 5.5 billion pesos and financing unnecessary expenses, including contributions to a political party.
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However, the Council of State stressed that there was no evidence directly linking Enrique Vargas Lleras with the financial problems mentioned by Petro, which prompted his intervention. The ruling stated that the president did not comply with a “minimum due diligence” before making public accusations, based on information from the Superintendency of Health, which never directly involved the former vice president’s brother in irregularities.
The decision of the Council of State forces Gustavo Petro to offer a public apology, recognizing the potential damage to the image and honor of Enrique Vargas Lleras. According to the court, the dissemination of baseless accusations by high-profile public figures, such as the president, has serious consequences that require redress.
“Justice has ruled in our favor,” said a legal representative of the Vargas Lleras family, highlighting the importance of truthfulness and responsibility in the statements of those who hold high public office.
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