Uribe defends backing Petro's travel permit, citing fundamental rights

Former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe has publicly defended his party's decision to support a Senate authorization allowing President Gustavo Petro to leave the country during the next year, arguing that denying it would violate Petro's fundamental right to free movement. Uribe emphasized that no judicial order restricts Petro's mobility, and that the Centro Democrático, despite being an opposition party, must uphold institutional norms and fundamental rights Source: larepublicaco.

The decision

The Senate approved the travel permit on August 12 with 73 votes in favor and 11 against, as required by Article 196 of the Colombian Constitution, which mandates that former presidents seek authorization to leave the country within a year after leaving office Source: infobae. Initially, the Centro Democrático opposed an open-ended permit, so they pushed for a condition requiring Petro to report each trip's dates and destinations. This amendment was accepted by the Pacto Histórico Source: larepublicaco.

The reaction

Uribe's stance has sparked criticism from right-wing sectors, which he dismissed as "acusaciones llenas de rabia" (accusations full of rage) against his party. He warned that such confrontational accusations could increase political violence in Colombia Source: larepublicaco. Petro himself endorsed Uribe's remarks on X, stating that "the fundamental principle of the country is freedom" Source: larepublicaco.

Uribe also noted that all former presidents have received such permits, including himself, and that the Centro Democrático remains opposed to Petro's government despite this vote Source: infobae. The party reiterated that "Petro did not receive a blank check," as his travel will be subject to oversight Source: infobae.