Gustavo Petro, the (still, just) current holder of the third biggest job in Colombia (behind that of the President, and, of course, writing for See Colombia Travel) is many things to many people. But, what kind of person is he, exactly?
It depends who you talk to you, it seems. He’s either a Son of Peace, set on destroying the old, corrupt, machine of oligarchy that has been plaguing Colombia for far too long; or he’s an arrogant, bumbling, joke of a politician who can’t even work out how to pick up his own trash.
He’s either setting the Old Bailey alight, heralding a new era of responsibility, transparency and fairness; or he’s a myopic antihero tilting at windmills.
Whatever he is, he’s definitely come a long way from his peasant farming roots. And, being mayor hasn’t been easy for him. While, on the one hand, he’s banned bull-fighting, circus animals, and firearms; he’s also been dogged at every turn by scathing attacks on his questionable leadership in issues ranging from rubbish collection to the “integrated” bus system. He’s currently facing possible impeachment, after a petition has been lodged with more signatures than it needs to start that process.
His grasp may well be uncertain and contested, but Petro is sure to remain tenacious and outspoken. And, we want you to be the same. What do you think of this man, Petro? Is he just a guy with maybe a few good ideas, but no idea how to put them into action; or a breath of fresh air in a political landscape otherwise filled with corruption-ridden cronies? Is he a hopeless Don Quixote; or a V with a righteous vendetta?
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