Colombia’s President Tweets ‘Heil Hitler’ at Opinion Column
Colombia's outgoing leftist President Gustavo Petro sparked international outrage after posting "Heil Hitler" on social media in response to a newspaper column endorsing his conservative opponent.
The shocking incident occurred Sunday when Petro replied with the Nazi salute to an editorial published in Colombian newspaper El Espectador, according to New York Post. The column had endorsed right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella while criticizing Iván Cepeda, the leftist coalition candidate backed by Petro.
The inflammatory post drew immediate condemnation from international leaders and organizations ahead of the June 21 runoff vote, where the conservative opposition candidate currently leads in polls.
Global Condemnation Swift and Severe
The New York-based Anti-Defamation League denounced the Colombian president’s conduct on X. The Jewish advocacy organization noted that an elected head of state should understand why posting Nazi slogans is unacceptable, stating there exists no excuse or context that could justify such behavior.
Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon directly addressed Petro on social media, telling the Colombian leader that even in his current political situation, certain lines must never be crossed. Danon called the use of Nazi slogans a low point from which there is no return.
The Israeli diplomat urged Petro to apologize before Wednesday, when the Colombian president is scheduled to lead a discussion at the UN Security Council. Israel’s Foreign Ministry separately characterized the incident as a total loss of moral compass and an indelible stain on Colombia’s legacy.
Background of Colombia-Israel Tensions
Petro severed diplomatic relations with Israel in 2024 over the Gaza conflict that began following the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack. The Colombian government expelled Israeli diplomats from the South American nation as part of that break.
Conservative Candidate Promises Policy Reversal
Abelardo de la Espriella, a 47-year-old lawyer and political outsider known as “El Tigre” or “The Tiger,” secured first place in the initial voting round after gaining support from conservative and evangelical constituencies. The candidate has pledged to open an embassy in Jerusalem and restore strategic ties with Israel if elected.
The upcoming runoff election represents a potential continuation of the right-wing political shift occurring throughout Latin America. Regional conservative leaders have aligned with United States President Donald Trump’s hardline stance on drug trafficking and represent a significant departure in foreign policy orientation from their leftist predecessors.
With information from New York Post
