Álvaro Leyva's Cryptic Criticisms of Gustavo Petro Spark Controversy
The recent actions of Álvaro Leyva Durán, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, are currently generating significant debate in Colombia's political circles. After leaving the government of President Gustavo Petro due to irregularities in a passport contract, Leyva is now using social media, specifically X (formerly Twitter), to launch veiled criticisms against the president. These messages, characterized by their ambiguity and lack of direct accusations, are currently raising questions about Leyva’s motives and the timing of his pronouncements.
The Nature of the Criticisms
According to Pulzo (2024), Leyva's recent posts are becoming increasingly «scandalous» and «compromising». However, they remain shrouded in suggestive language, avoiding direct accusations and falling short of formally denouncing any alleged illicit activities. This approach is leading some to question his commitment to civic duty and integrity.
One particular tweet mentioned by Pulzo (2024) referenced the harmful effects of «narcotics and alcohol» within the highest echelons of the State, without explicitly naming who he was referring to. This follows another cryptic message where he urged President Petro to show «sindéresis» and alluded to a tragedy reminiscent of the Palace of Justice siege, a dark chapter in Colombian history involving the M-19 guerrilla group to which Petro once belonged.
Reactions and Questions
Leyva's criticisms are being met with skepticism, especially considering his previous role within Petro’s administration. Many are currently asking why he remained silent during his tenure as Chancellor if he witnessed the issues he is now hinting at. The representative Hernán Cadavid, from the Centro Democrático party, directly questioned Leyva on X, asking why he is only now confirming what many Colombians have long suspected: that the country is «in the hands of addicts» (Cadavid, 2025).
Pulzo (2024) reports that reactions to both Leyva’s tweets and Cadavid’s question are largely negative. Commentators are currently accusing Leyva of hypocrisy and opportunism, suggesting he is trying to distance himself from a government he once actively supported. Others question how a conservative figure like Leyva could have aligned himself with a leftist government in the first place.
Ethical Considerations and Political Motivations
The situation is currently raising broader questions about the ethical responsibilities of public servants. The idea that remaining silent or speaking out based on political expediency undermines the principles of honesty, integrity, and rectitude expected of those in positions of power is currently being debated (Pulzo, 2024). The current controversy also highlights the complexities of Colombian politics, where alliances and allegiances can shift rapidly.
Beyond the immediate reactions, there is considerable speculation about Leyva’s long-term objectives. With the presidential campaign for next year already underway, some observers currently believe that Leyva’s pronouncements are strategically timed to influence public opinion and potentially damage President Petro’s reputation. The ambiguity of his statements, while drawing attention, is also preventing any clear construction of citizenship (Pulzo, 2024).
Conclusion
As the debate continues to unfold, the questions surrounding Álvaro Leyva’s motives and the veracity of his claims persist. The controversy is currently serving as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in Colombian politics, and the potential consequences of veiled accusations and delayed disclosures.
References
Cadavid, H. [@hernancadavidma]. (2025, April 1). El ex canciller confirmando lo que el país conoce. Inclusive desde la campañaLa pregunta, Dr. Leyva es ¿usted desde hace cuanto lo sabe? Y por qué hasta ahora nos confirma a los colombianos que estamos en manos de unos adictosCapítulo oscuro de la vida política colombiana [Tweet]. X. https://twitter.com/hernancadavidma/status/xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Pulzo. (2024). “Por qué hasta ahora confirma que estamos en manos de adictos”, preguntan a Álvaro Leyva. Pulzo. https://www.pulzo.com/nacion/mencionar-gustavo-petro-excanciller-alvaro-leyva-salpica-PP4421438
