“I don’t speak English”: Verónica Alcocer avoids questions in Stockholm amid luxury spending controversy
stockholm, Sweden – Verónica Alcocer, the wife of Colombian President Gustavo Petro, deflected questions from the press in Stockholm this week, stating “I don’t speak English,” as scrutiny mounts over reports detailing a lavish lifestyle during her stay in Sweden. The encounter occurred as images and reports circulated alleging Alcocer frequents upscale restaurants in the Stureplan district, attends exclusive private parties – including at Noppes, a private club founded by Count Carl Adam “Noppe” Lewenhaupt – and generally lives a life of luxury.
The controversy erupted after media reports highlighted Alcocer’s activities in Sweden, prompting a defense from President Petro, who stated via social media on November 21st that Alcocer is not a Swedish resident and is in the contry solely to attend an intensive English course. He further asserted she resides in a rented 40 square meter space and, as a European citizen, is entitled to privacy. the timing of the reports and Alcocer’s inability to return to Colombia, according to Petro, is due to what he termed “the ignominy” directed at his goverment.
Reports have also surfaced regarding Alcocer’s association with businessman Grau Pujadas, who reportedly entered Petro’s campaign through Eva Ferrer, a close friend of Alcocer. Pujadas accompanied Alcocer on trips, including a visit to the Vatican for a private audience with Pope Francis, and was proposed by the Treasury in 2023 to join the board of directors of CISA, a state asset management company.
Alcocer’s European citizenship has become a focal point of the debate, with President Petro emphasizing her rights as a European citizen while together lamenting the intrusion into her privacy. The situation continues to unfold as public criticism intensifies both in Colombia and on social media.