In a recent political stir, former Colombian Minister Alvaro Leyva has publicly accused President Gustavo Petro of having a drug addiction. Leyva, who is 82 years old and once a close ally of Petro, made the claim in an open letter. He said that during a 2023 official trip to Paris, Petro went missing for two days, and it was then that Leyva allegedly confirmed Petro’s drug problems. However, Leyva didn’t provide further details about the situation.
Petro quickly denied the accusations on social media, calling them slander. He explained that during the two days in question, he spent time with his family in Paris and had protection from the French secret service. Petro also joked, saying he was “addicted to love,” not drugs.
Opposition members in Colombia have seized on Leyva’s claims, demanding that Petro take drug and psychiatric tests to prove his ability to lead. This controversy has added to ongoing rumors about Petro’s past, including his occasional tardiness and previous incidents where critics suggested he was under the influence. Petro, however, has always denied having a drug problem and has even made controversial comments about drug use, advocating for the legalization of narcotics.
Leyva had been a loyal supporter of Petro for years, even serving as a peace negotiator. But their relationship began to unravel in 2024, when Leyva was suspended from his position for alleged misconduct. Despite this, Leyva had hinted at Petro’s possible drug use before, but his recent letter is his most direct accusation so far.
In response, Petro dismissed Leyva’s claims, suggesting that Paris—where the events allegedly took place—is full of interesting things to see, such as parks, museums, and bookstores, making it unlikely that the writer’s letter was more important than his family. Amid the criticism, Petro recently joked that his only addiction is to coffee, a key part of Colombia’s culture.
The accusation comes at a time when Colombia’s cocaine production is at an all-time high, and efforts to eradicate the drug have slowed under Petro’s leadership.
