Petro denounces "coup d'état" over CNE investigation into his electoral campaign.

In a notable statement, Colombian President Gustavo Petro accused the National Electoral Council (CNE) of taking steps towards a "coup d'état" by opening an investigation into his 2022 electoral campaign. This pronouncement comes amid a growing controversy over the financing of his campaign, in which it is alleged that spending limits established by law were violated. The investigation, revealed by journalist Daniel Coronell on W Radio, has placed the CNE's actions in such situations at the center of political debate. The CNE's investigation, which has been conducted under the direction of magistrates affiliated with different parties, claims that Petro's campaign exceeded the allowed spending limits by more than 5.3 billion pesos, equivalent to approximately 1.27 million dollars. Additionally, it mentions that the campaign received contributions from legal entities, which is explicitly prohibited by Colombian electoral regulations. This situation has generated strong backlash from the president, who argues that any attempt to investigate his campaign is a direct attack on his legitimacy. Petro has not only questioned the legality of the investigation but has also used social media platforms to express his concerns about the political implications of this process. On his X account, he stated that "every step taken against the president in the electoral council builds a coup d'état" and compared the situation to the political crisis facing Venezuela. His rhetoric reflects the existing tension in the country, where political divisions are deeply rooted. The CNE, for its part, defends its authority to investigate campaigns and candidates. It argues that its function is to ensure electoral transparency and that, similar to other former presidents, it can impose fines or demand the return of irregular contributions. However, opponents of this stance argue that the CNE is exceeding its jurisdiction by involving the president in an investigation that should fall under the competence of the House of Representatives' Investigation and Accusation Commission. Allegations of irregularities in Petro's campaign financing are not new. During the first electoral round, he was attributed with seven violations of the law, including the failure to report significant contributions from groups such as the education union Fecode and the Polo Democrático party. The seriousness of these accusations has led to intense scrutiny not only of Petro's campaign but also of the integrity of the Colombian electoral system as a whole. Another relevant element in this controversy is the involvement of Xavier Vendrell, a Catalan politician who worked as the head of electoral witnesses in Petro's campaign. Vendrell has attracted media attention due to his political past and the lack of transparency regarding his payment declarations. Although Petro has denied any active contractual relationship with Vendrell, this connection has further fueled criticism and suspicion towards his administration. In terms of political impact, this investigation could have profound repercussions for Petro's administration. Polarization in the country is palpable, and any decision from the CNE or related developments in this investigation could be interpreted as an act of legitimacy or an attempt at destabilization. The president's ability to respond to these accusations will largely determine his political future and the stability of his government. On the other hand, the recent conclusion of the truckers' strike in Colombia, which lasted several days and ended after an agreement with the government, introduces a complex context to this narrative. The fight to improve labor and economic conditions for truckers has been a recurring theme on the national agenda, and the government has had to carefully navigate between social demands and the accusations it faces in the electoral arena. As the story continues to unfold, tensions between the executive branch and the CNE are intensifying, and the country watches closely how Petro manages this crisis. Defending his legitimacy as president has become crucial at a time when trust in democratic institutions is being tested. The president's response to the accusations, as well as the evolution of the investigation, will be decisive in the path Colombia takes in the coming months.