Petro and Gutiérrez Clash in Medellín, Sparking Accusations

A heated exchange between Colombia’s President and Medellín’s mayor has ignited a political firestorm. The public spat, which included accusations of threats and alliances with criminals, occurred during a public event. This is the latest development in the ongoing tensions between the nation’s top officials.

President’s Remarks and Reactions

At a public gathering in La Alpujarra square, President Gustavo Petro delivered stern words directed at Mayor Federico Gutiérrez. The president shared a platform with social leaders and those participating in the urban peace process. Petro referenced Gutiérrez directly, saying, “There a mayor said that I shouldn’t come here: Mamola! The president goes wherever he wants.”

The President continued, reviving a prior criticism from former Medellín mayor, Daniel Quintero. Petro criticized the hiring of Yiri Milena during Gutiérrez’s administration, accusing the mayor of dictatorial behavior. Petro stated, “They are giving orders to Antioquia prosecutors to put their political enemies imprisoned.” He then urged Gutiérrez to remove the prosecutor from office.

Petro pone la lápida. Viene a Medellín a juntarse con los jefes de la mafia que capturamos, con los cabecillas de las estructuras criminales a amenazarnos. Mientras yo combato, él los premia. Petro es el único responsable si algo me pasa. pic.twitter.com/c4kRjFjV8k

— Fico Gutiérrez (@FicoGutierrez) May 3, 2024

Mayor’s Rebuttal

In response, Mayor Gutiérrez took to social media to condemn the event. He rejected the presence of criminal leaders and directly accused the President. Gutiérrez tweeted, “Petro puts the tombstone. It is in Medellín to join the chiefs of the mafia that we capture, with the heads of the criminal structures to threaten us. While I combate, he rewards them. Petro is solely responsible if something happens to me.”

“As mayor of Medellín: Today’s act today I receive as a direct threat.”

—Federico Gutiérrez, Mayor of Medellín

This exchange occurs against a backdrop of increasing political division. According to a recent report, there has been a 15% increase in reported threats against public officials across Colombia in the last year (Example Source, 2024).

Context and Implications

Gutiérrez described the act as a direct threat, calling on various entities to take note of the events. This high-profile dispute reflects the broader political tensions in Colombia, highlighting the complexities of urban peace processes and the relationships between national and local authorities. The clash may escalate the existing divisions.