The president of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, generated controversy by declaring during the first televised meeting of his government cabinet that 'cocaine is no worse than whiskey.' Petro compared the legalization of cocaine with other legal substances such as alcohol and fentanyl, arguing that its legalization would dismantle the illegal business behind this drug.
Petro expressed that cocaine is illegal not because of its danger, but because it is produced in Latin America; however, he pointed out that a multilateral approach is necessary to address issues such as drug trafficking and migration. The Colombian president also emphasized transparency and publicity in administrative acts in his government.
Vice President Francia Márquez criticized the appointment of Armando Benedetti as Chief of Staff, alleging disrespect from the Minister of Foreign Affairs and pointing out corruption scandals that have shaken the government. During the Council of Ministers, there were tensions among the ministers and the resignation of a key advisor to Petro.
In response to the criticisms, Petro insisted that the legalization of cocaine would contribute to dismantling the illegal business and fostering prosperity in producing countries. The Colombian president committed to maintaining transparency in his government and addressing challenges such as corruption and the fiscal deficit while reorganizing his cabinet amid weak economic growth and lower-than-expected tax revenues.
