Petro Sparks Controversy at UN with ‘War to Death’ Flag
NEW YORK – Colombian President Gustavo Petro ignited a firestorm of criticism during his address to the United Nations General Assembly after appearing with a lapel pin bearing the phrase “War to Death” (“Guerra a Muerte” in Spanish). The display, which occurred while discussing global conflicts including the situation in the Middle East, has drawn condemnation from political opponents adn academics alike.
Petro previously displayed the flag in a May 1st speech in Bogotá’s Plaza de Bolívar, clarifying at the time it wasn’t intended to incite further conflict, referencing the high cost in lives already paid for past wars. However, critics argue the imagery is especially jarring given the setting and the context of his remarks at the UN.
The pin’s symbolism has been widely debated. Some interpret it as a call for decisive action against injustice, while others view it as a provocative gesture that undermines Colombia‘s diplomatic standing. “The only flag that a Colombian president should carry at the UN is that of Colombia,” stated Daniel Gómez Gaviria,an academic from the Andes University,criticizing Petro’s speech and representation of the country as “disastrous” and “looking for nothing more than generating conflict.”
Senator Enrique Cabrales of the Democratic Centre Party echoed the outrage, questioning Petro’s decision to wear the flag at the UN Assembly. The controversy underscores the deep political divisions within Colombia and raises questions about the message Petro intends to convey on the international stage.
