Colombian President Gustavo Petro is under intense scrutiny, recently claiming that a “coup” is being plotted to undermine his administration. Petro, the nation’s first left-wing leader, voiced his concerns on social media on October 8, after Colombia’s National Electoral Council (CNE) announced an investigation into his 2022 campaign financing for potential overspending.

Petro accused his political opponents of leveraging the CNE to unseat him, calling the investigation a manipulation tactic aimed at destabilizing his government. “The coup has begun,” he declared online, fueling a political firestorm and prompting his supporters to rally in his defense. He alleged that the investigation, led by an administrative authority he believes is biased, is part of a broader scheme to challenge his legitimacy.

Colombia’s political opposition, however, dismissed the president’s coup accusations, pointing out that the CNE’s investigation is a constitutional process. Citing recent history, they reminded the public that former presidents Iván Duque, Juan Manuel Santos, and Ernesto Samper faced similar probes during their terms.

Petro’s claims have drawn mixed reactions within Colombia’s polarized political environment, reflecting broader concerns about his administration’s stability. Political analyst Sergio Guzmán of Colombia Risk Analysis believes Petro’s response is indicative of a deeper challenge. “By framing institutional checks as political attacks, Petro risks alienating moderates and widening the divide between his administration and other government branches,” Guzmán said. 

Since taking office in August 2022, Petro has faced mounting political challenges. His presidency has been marked by ambitious promises to reduce inequality and reform Colombia’s political, economic, and social systems. However, these goals have encountered repeated setbacks, partly due to Petro’s confrontational stance with opposing political groups. His administration has faced several controversies, including his son’s recent indictment on money-laundering charges and allegations of undisclosed campaign financing.

Will Freeman, a Latin America studies fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, argues that the Petro administration’s controversies may hinder its reform agenda. “What this illustrates is how limited the government’s options have become,” Freeman said, suggesting that Petro’s focus on battling opposition detracts from his legislative goals.

Despite Petro’s approval rating holding steady around 30 percent, his administration’s ability to deliver on key reforms remains uncertain. In particular, his efforts to bring “total peace” to Colombia have faced resistance amid ongoing violence and fractured ceasefire agreements.

As Petro navigates these challenges, his supporters view the investigation as an attempt to discredit him and undermine his government. Economist Robinson Duarte, a Petro supporter, believes the accusations are exaggerated, reflecting a long-standing tendency to equate all politicians as corrupt, which he says undermines public faith in democracy.

Colombia’s political future remains tense as the Petro administration continues to navigate internal and external pressures. Whether his presidency can achieve its original promises or be consumed by ongoing conflicts with the opposition is a question that only time will answer.