Electoral authorities in Colombia have decided to investigate allegations of financial misconduct related to President Gustavo Petro's 2022 campaign. The National Electoral Council will focus on whether the campaign exceeded financing limits and accepted funds from prohibited sources.
The investigation could result in fines against campaign staffers, including auditors, treasurer, and manager. However, it cannot lead to an immediate impeachment of the president.
Two magistrates of the council reported that Petro's campaign allegedly exceeded financial limits by approximately $1.2 million. Petro has denied the accusations, labeling them as politically motivated attempts to remove him from office.
Petro reacted to the council's decision, calling it a 'coup d’état.' He has previously characterized the investigation as a 'Colombian-style coup d’état' aimed at ousting him from power.
The council's 10 magistrates, elected by Congress and representing various political parties, are overseeing the investigation. The council listed 12 financial transactions that were allegedly not reported by the campaign and claimed that funds from prohibited sources, including labor organizations, were received.
The debate surrounding the investigation has raised questions about the council's powers and presidential immunity in Colombia. While only a House of Representatives commission can investigate the president, the Council of State recently ruled that the president's immunity does not prevent investigations by other government bodies like the National Electoral Council, which can impose financial penalties but not impeachment.
Petro's attorney has filed an appeal with the Council of State to reconsider its decision and clarify the extent of the president's immunity. He warned of further legal action if the investigation proceeds, including appeals to Colombia's Constitutional Court and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.
Notably, no Colombian president has been removed from office in a political trial in Congress in the past three decades.
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