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Former Foreign Minister Álvaro Leyva Accuses President Petro of Drug Addiction; Petro Denies Allegations Amid US Visa Revocation and Political Turmoil

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Updated Apr 25, 2025, 10:30 AM

Colombian President Gustavo Petro is facing a political controversy following a letter from his former foreign minister Álvaro Leyva, who accused Petro of having a drug addiction. Leyva alleged that he personally confirmed Petro's drug problem during an official trip to Paris in June 2023, where Petro reportedly disappeared for two days and had to be rescued by French intelligence. The letter also criticized some of Petro's closest ministers, including the interior minister and foreign minister, accusing them of hijacking the government. Petro has denied the allegations, responding that he is "addicted to love" and dismissed the accusations as slander.

The controversy has sparked calls within Colombia's Congress for investigations into the claims. Meanwhile, the political landscape is also seeing the announcement of former ICT minister Mauricio Lizcano's candidacy for the 2026 presidential election, who positions himself as neither left nor right. In addition, Petro confirmed that the Trump administration revoked his U.S. visa ahead of his planned meetings at the IMF and World Bank, a move that has drawn international attention. The government is preparing to present a popular consultation with twelve questions to Congress on May 1, which has generated divided opinions among political parties. The political turmoil has raised concerns about Colombia's institutional stability and international image.

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#Gustavo Petro #Álvaro Leyva #Petro #Leyva #Paris #French #Colombia #Congress #ICT #Mauricio Lizcano #Trump #IMF #World Bank

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Sources

elespectador.com(7)ntn24.com(5)noticiascaracol.com(5)portafolio.co(3)

CNN Chile

@CNNChile

President Gustavo Petro recognizes that he is a “love” addict and denies drug problem https://t.co/jfwvlZuwMh

Noticias Caracol

@NoticiasCaracol

#SalaDePrensa | Letter from Leyva against Petro: to what extent is a president's private life a public matter? https://t.co/jnCIxnv6gb

Javier Arana

@arana_javier

'As chancellor, he showed me the way to get re-elected, but I said no': Petro attacks Leyva The president assured that the former foreign minister has double standards after a letter accusing him of drug addiction. https://t.co/ovIe2wqq2B

Story Timeline

2 months ago•Latest version

Former Foreign Minister Álvaro Leyva Accuses President Petro of Drug Addiction; Petro Denies Allegations Amid US Visa Revocation and Political Turmoil

2 months ago

Former Colombian Foreign Minister Accuses President Petro of Drug Addiction After 2-Day Disappearance in Paris in June 2023

2 months ago

Former Colombian Foreign Minister Álvaro Leyva Accuses President Petro of Drug Addiction, Paris Disappearance; Petro Denies Claims

2 months ago

Ex-Foreign Minister Álvaro Leyva Accuses President Gustavo Petro of Drug Addiction, Paris Incident, and Criticizes His Ministers

2 months ago•Original version

Álvaro Leyva Accuses President Petro of Drug Addiction During Official Paris Visit

Former Foreign Minister Álvaro Leyva Accuses President Petro of Drug Addiction; Petro Denies Allegations Amid US Visa Revocation and Political Turmoil

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Story Timeline

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