The dictator

By: Francisco Santos - 16/06/2025

Things must be called by their name. Gustavo Petro is no longer the democratically elected president of Colombia. He is Colombia's dictator. His decision to overrule Congress and break democratic institutions, in addition to blackmailing with a constituent assembly, is the beginning of the end of democracy if we don't stop him.

In Peru, ousted President Pedro Castillo sought to shut down Congress, which is why he is in jail. Here, Petro did the same, as with his decree he not only eliminated the legislative branch but also established himself, as his Minister of Justice, Eduardo Montealegre, asserts, as the sole interpreter of the Constitution, even above the courts.

That's how serious the situation is. We can't think this is going to happen or that there's only one year left. That's what Venezuelans thought, and look how they ended up. Petro took off his mask. Left-wing columnist and radio commentator Aurelio Suárez tweeted a powerful message with which I completely agree. "Faced with an authoritarian president and a minister who tortures the Constitution until it speaks, the path is civil resistance."

Yes, we must begin planning and executing many more civil resistance actions, because otherwise, Petro will end up staying. I've been saying this for two years, and I finally see that important sectors of society are understanding it. I hope they accept it, because the coming battle is going to be very tough. The first is this Sunday, the silent marches, which throughout the country must begin to send two messages: we will not surrender to the violent, and we will not let Petro destroy democracy.

What other actions of civil resistance can we carry out? Many, always in accordance with the law and the Constitution. One, pressure the members of the Congressional Accusations Commission to do their job. It's a disgrace what they haven't done, especially those close to Petro who have done everything to prevent anything from happening. One, Alirio Uribe, who from his human rights NGO was a constant supporter of Petro, the sweetness of power made him forget what he had fought for. But it's not just them; there are many other parties that have turned a blind eye. They are all a disgrace. We must punish them for their behavior in the next elections, if there are any. It's a duty to start now. Oh, and in the next administration, the way a president is tried and removed from power must be changed. If we had a system that half-functioned, Petro would have been out on the streets, or in jail, a long time ago.

We must organize the streets, even with those who are willing to risk their lives to confront the front line, which is quick to come out and dance. And if the paid minga wants to come to Bogotá or Cali or wherever to cause trouble, be ready to confront them and raise the cost of those who transport them.

We must begin to organize actions that will hurt the government. First, start not paying taxes like VAT or withholding taxes. Deposit them in a safe place where they will yield returns, and when the government can no longer take it and accepts democracy, the separation of powers, and the electoral process, return those resources to it. Convincing Dian officials to join this civil resistance is a fundamental task.

Return to the ideas of that great democrat, Mahatma Gandhi, and begin holding large, peaceful demonstrations surrounding the Nariño Palace to show strength, and Congress, the courts, and the National Registry to protect them, so they can act in accordance with the Constitution and the law without fear of the dictator. Street, street, street is what will be needed, but organized and with specific political and geographic objectives. Sunday's march is a good start, but we must understand that more "hardline" street activism is needed. They know what that means and they will use it. The answer cannot be just another march.

We business owners and citizens must prepare a national strike. We're going to have to do it, because Petro will continue on his path toward the dictatorship of the people, as he calls it. Even worse, now that he has that snob as Minister of Justice who justifies his atrocities. Of course, this is a very radical option, but we must have it ready, because the person occupying the Nariño Palace is an unstable person with addiction problems, from whom anything can be expected.

Violence against opposition candidates will increase, there's no doubt about it. There's already information about possible attacks against Álvaro Uribe, Vicky Dávila, and María Fernanda Cabal. But everyone is in danger, and with the very little protection they have, they're all cannon fodder.

Of course, the terrorists who murdered, raped, and kidnapped Colombia for 40 years have security to their hearts' content. Thank you, President Santos, for this "favor" you did for the country. The UNP's budget to protect presidential candidates, who are truly at risk, is paltry compared to the blatant millions they give to the FARC terrorists who "protect" their own people. Another shame that must end.

Let's get to work. Businesspeople, politicians, and citizens, we must act now and plan our actions for this year. The dictator's actions and proposals this week were a decree and a constituent assembly. Don't you think that's enough?

«The opinions published herein are the sole responsibility of its author».