The election of senator and former guerrilla fighter Gustavo Petro as Colombia’s first leftwing president provoked immediate reactions from Latin American leaders, particularly those who share the same ideological alignment.
Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro (PL) has not yet commented, but his opponent and former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) congratulated Petro shortly after Sunday’s result (19).
Check out the main demonstrations, in addition to those of the head of European Union (EU) diplomacy and a leader of the Venezuelan opposition.
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, former President of Brazil
“I warmly congratulate comrades @petrogustavo, @FranciaMarquezM and the entire Colombian people on the important victory in the elections this Sunday. I wish Petro every success in his government. His victory strengthens democracy and progressive forces in Latin America.”
Nicolas Maduro, President of Venezuela
“I congratulate Gustavo Petro and Francia Márquez on their historic victory in the Colombian presidential elections. The will of the Colombian people, who have gone to defend the path of democracy and peace, has been heard. New times are ahead for this brother country.”
Henrique Capriles, leader of the Venezuelan opposition
“Today, June 19, Colombians voted for peace and reaffirmed their democracy. The result was known in just over an hour. There are 2 million (millions) Venezuelans living in Colombia. We hope that the new President will rule for them with respect and without exclusion”.
Juan Guaidó, selfproclaimed interim president of Venezuela and recognized as such by more than 50 countries
“Colombia is now home to 2 million Venezuelans who have fled in search of a future. We are committed to ensuring that the government of incoming President @petrogustavo upholds the protections of vulnerable Venezuelans in his country and accompanies Venezuela’s struggle to restore its democracy.”
Andrés Manuel López Obrador, President of Mexico
“Gustavo Petro’s victory is historic. Colombia’s conservatives were stubborn and tough. Writer José María Vargas Vila reported that his country’s dictators ‘dipped their daggers in holy water before killing'”.
Gabriel Boric, President of Chile
“I just spoke to @petrogustavo to congratulate him along with @FranciaMarquezM on his victory in the Colombian Presidency. Joy for Latin America! We will work together for the unity of our continent in the challenges of a rapidly changing world. Here we go.” !”
Alberto Fernández, President of Argentina
“The victory of @petrogustavo and @FranciaMarquezM fills me with joy, ending the electoral process in Colombia. I have just conveyed my congratulations to the Presidentelect for the trust that the people have placed in him. His victory confirms democracy and paves the way to an integrated Latin America at this time, which demands of us the maximum solidarity between peoples.”
Miguel DíazCanel, President of Cuba
“I offer my most fraternal congratulations to Gustavo Petro, @petrogustavo, on his election as President of Colombia in a historic popular victory. We reaffirm our willingness to advance the development of bilateral relations for the benefit of our peoples.”
Luis Arce, President of Bolivia
“Congratulations to the people of Colombia! Our congratulations to brother @petrogustavo and sister @FranciaMarquezM for their victory in the elections today. Latin American integration is strengthened. We join the celebrations of the Colombians. ¡Jallalla #Colombia”. Jallalla is a Quechua word meaning joy.
Pedro Castillo, President of Peru
“I just called @petrogustavo to congratulate him on his historic democratic victory in Colombia. We share a common feeling that strives for collective, social and regional integration improvements for our people. Brother Gustavo, always count on the support of Peru.”
Daniel Ortega, President of Nicaragua, and Rosario Murillo, his wife and Vice President
“With all respect and much affection for your people, we welcome your election victory today, June 19. We hope the best for the families of this brother country (…) that in our Caribbean America we continue to cement a history as our peoples expect and deserve.”
Guillermo Lasso, President of Ecuador
“I telephoned to congratulate @petrogustavo on his election as President of our sister Republic of Colombia and reiterated our government’s willingness to strengthen friendship and cooperation and to prioritize the development and integration of our peoples.”
Josep Borrell, Head of EU Diplomacy
“I congratulate @petrogustavo on his election as the next president of #Colombia. Colombia is a fundamental partner for the EU. Count on the European Union to continue to strengthen our relationship.”