"Loneliness, Anxiety, Depression... President Is a Drug Addict," Claims Former Colombian Minister

Former Foreign Minister Alvaro Leyva
Claims Colombian President Is a 'Drug Addict'
"Disappeared for Two Days During Visit to France"

A former minister in Colombia has sparked controversy by claiming that President Gustavo Petro is a drug addict.

Former Colombian Foreign Minister Laiva as a part-time job. Former Minister Laiva X

According to reports from The Guardian in the UK and Colombian outlet The City Paper Bogota on April 23 (local time), former Colombian Foreign Minister Alvaro Leyva alleged that President Petro is addicted to drugs. Leyva served as foreign minister for two years after being appointed when the Petro administration was inaugurated in 2022.

Recently, Leyva revealed four letters he had sent to President Petro through his X (formerly Twitter) account. He stated, "Records show, and continue to show, disappearances, tardiness, unacceptable failures to fulfill duties, meaningless trips, inconsistent statements, and suspicious companions," adding, "It is well known that you have very often complained of loneliness, anxiety, and depression."

In particular, Leyva pointed out that President Petro went missing for two days during a visit to France in 2023. He claimed, "It was in Paris that I confirmed you have a drug addiction problem," and added, "Unfortunately, you have not yet recovered." He further criticized, "Your administration will be remembered for chaos and improvisation."

President Petro immediately refuted these claims. Through X, he explained that there were more important matters during his visit to the French capital than spending time with the foreign minister. However, he did not address the allegations regarding drug use.

The Guardian noted, "The revelations came as President Petro was once again in conflict with former U.S. President Donald Trump." Earlier this year, after a U.S. military aircraft carrying undocumented immigrants was denied landing in Colombia, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Colombian products, and President Petro subsequently accepted all of the U.S. demands.

President Petro also revealed at a cabinet meeting on April 22 that his U.S. visa had been revoked. He commented, "I have watched Donald Duck (the Disney character) many times, so I don't even need a U.S. visa," and added, "(Since my U.S. visa was canceled,) I'll go somewhere else to see something different."

Leyva's letters have caused a major stir in Colombian politics. Sebastian Rombo Delgado, a reporter for Colombian outlet El Tiempo, stated, "In recent Colombian history, there has never been a case where a key former government official has publicly questioned the 'competence' of a former superior."

The City Paper Bogota reported, "This accusation against President Petro comes at a time when his presidency is already under threat," adding, "As the campaign to elect Petro's successor in 2026 gains momentum, the opposition has been reinvigorated."