Gustavo Petro’s Final Address to Congress
The President of the Republic, Gustavo Petro, delivered his final speech as head of state on July 20, 2026, during a session that also marked the installation of the new legislative body for the period 2026-2027. In a clear attempt to defend his administration’s record, Petro presented a comprehensive assessment of his time in office.
Recounting Political History
During his address, Petro reflected on his roots as a parliamentarian. Having begun his political journey 35 years ago as part of the M-19 Democratic Alliance, he underscored his commitment to evidence-based debate. He stated, “I never held a debate without evidence,” referencing his fight against corruption and ties between politicians and paramilitary groups, leading to mass incarcerations within the Senate.
Call for Congressional Evaluations
Petro urged congressmen to evaluate the success or failure of his administration impartially. He reiterated significant accomplishments achieved during his term, emphasizing the importance of democratic evaluation amidst changing legislative forces.
Achievements in Poverty Reduction
The outgoing president highlighted his administration’s effective policies that resulted in a notable drop in poverty rates from 45% in 2020 to an anticipated 25% by 2026, directly impacting 4.5 million citizens. He argued that poverty is not merely a lack of financial resources but a fundamental violation of human rights.
Sustained Economic Growth
Petro pointed to meaningful economic improvements, stating that his administration recorded the lowest unemployment rate in a century, dropping it to 8.1% as of May 2026. He expressed optimism about the nation’s economic growth, proudly claiming a 30 percentage point increase over four years.
Focus on Health and Education
Petro emphasized reforms in the health sector, introducing policies aimed at providing equal access rather than privileging the interests of profit-driven health entities. With substantial investments into public health, he claimed a 71.4% decrease in child mortality rates, attributing the achievements to “politics of love.”
Advancements in Education
In education, Petro noted that over 425,000 students benefited from reforms under his administration, with end goals of achieving extensive coverage in higher education. He stated that educational advances reflected a broader commitment to securing a better future for the nation.
Security and Safety Measures
Regarding national security, Petro discussed the reduction in homicide rates enabled through strategic peace negotiations. He described his government’s pro-active stance on crime prevention and the drop in reported theft instances, thus reflecting a commitment to citizen safety without excess reliance on imprisonment.
Conclusion: A Legacy in Transition
As Gustavo Petro concluded his address, he acknowledged the political transition ahead, emphasizing that the groundwork laid during his tenure sets a promising platform for his successor, Abelardo de la Espriella. He remains hopeful that the policies enacted will lead to a better future for Colombia. The new legislative body’s leadership awaits confirmation as they prepare to take on the challenges ahead in the coming year.