Colombia’s Rising Star Falls From Grace

From trusted advisor to public dismissal: The rapid ascent and decline of **Laura Sarabia**.

Once a key figure in **Gustavo Petro**’s administration, **Laura Sarabia** experienced a swift downfall, marking a significant shift in Colombian politics and raising questions about the stability of the current government.

Key Development

**Sarabia**’s influence grew rapidly after her appointment as head of dispatch, later becoming director of social prosperity and presidency. She managed **President Petro**’s schedule, fulfilled his requests, and acted as a reliable point of contact for political and business leaders.

However, her power diminished when she was appointed Chancellor, ostensibly a promotion. This move was allegedly orchestrated to distance her from **Petro**’s inner circle following the arrival of **Armando Benedetti**, with whom she had a contentious relationship.

The final blow came when **Alfredo Saade**, the new head of dispatch, disrupted **Sarabia**’s plan to overhaul passport services, a project of particular interest to **Petro**. She resigned, anticipating potential legal repercussions from the government’s actions.

Petro‘s farewell message to **Sarabia**, “The greed is the enemy of the revolution and life,” signaled her loss of influence and trust.

Rapid Ascent

On August 7, 2022, **Sarabia** was tasked with retrieving **Bolívar**’s sword for **Petro**’s inauguration, setting the stage for her role as a key executor of his wishes. Her efficiency and loyalty quickly made her an indispensable part of **Petro**’s team.

Her ability to manage **Petro**’s agenda, described as lonely, undisciplined and transnochador, allowed her to amass power at a young age. She successfully secured control over **Petro**’s schedule, security, and cabinet coordination, surpassing figures like former Minister **Mauricio Lizcano**.

In May 2023, controversy struck when her former domestic employee accused her of subjecting her to a polygraph test at the Casa de Nariño, suspecting her of theft. Colonel **Carlos Feria**, head of **Petro**’s security detail, was implicated in the scandal.

Simultaneously, leaked audios revealed **Benedetti**’s claims that **Sarabia** knew of alleged crimes committed during **Petro**’s 2022 campaign, prompting investigations by the National Electoral Council (CNE).

Despite these scandals, **Petro** initially defended **Sarabia**, acknowledging her value before bringing her back into the government.

Consolidation and Conflicts

In January 2024, **Sarabia** requested the resignation of all ministers, causing tension among experienced officials. As director of social prosperity, she facilitated meetings between **Petro** and business leaders, including **Luis Carlos Sarmiento Angle**, **Alejandro Santodomingo**, and **Carlos Julio Ardila**, aiming to foster a “national agreement.”

She cultivated relationships with figures like **María Lorena Gutiérrez**, president of the Aval Group, which helped to maintain communication during diplomatic and commercial challenges.

Returning to the House of Nariño as director of the Presidency in February 2024, **Sarabia** coordinated **Petro**’s security and maintained close ties with then First Lady **Verónica Alcocer** and figures such as **Roy Barreras**.

However, conflicts arose with **Augusto Rodríguez**, director of the UNP, who accused **Sarabia** of using her position for personal gain. Allegations of corruption involving officials close to **Sarabia**, including **Jaime Ramírez Cobo** and her brother **Andrés**, further tarnished her reputation. As of 2023, corruption in Colombia was perceived as widespread, ranking 123 out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index (Transparency International).

The Downfall

By late 2024, **Petro** grew weary of **Sarabia**’s prominence and the corruption allegations against her. Despite initial plans for a lower-profile role, **Sarabia** insisted on becoming Chancellor. Her knowledge of sensitive information about **Petro**’s personal life allegedly gave her leverage in negotiations.

Appointed Foreign Minister in January 2024, she soon faced a diplomatic crisis with the United States, triggered by **Petro**’s criticism of **Donald Trump**’s administration. **Sarabia** collaborated with former chancellor **Luis Gilberto Murillo** to resolve the situation, a move that reportedly angered **Petro**.

In February, **Sarabia** voiced concerns about **Petro**’s volatility to union leaders, further straining their relationship. A televised Council of Ministers meeting exposed her as a traitor, corrupt and blackmailer.

Ultimately, her opposition to **Petro**’s passport model change led to her resignation, marking the end of her influential role in the government. Her position was usurped by **Alfredo Saade**, signaling a new power dynamic within **Petro**’s administration.