Last night, former mayor of Bogotá, Gustavo Petro won just over 50% of the votes in a runoff election, beating right-wing populist Rodolfo Hernández to the Presidency. Petro will be the first left-wing President in the history of Colombia.

Pedro Marques, S&D vice-president for foreign affairs, said:

“We warmly congratulate our friend Gustavo Petro for his election as President by the people of Colombia. This is a tidal shift in Colombian politics that we hope will open a new era of hope, peace and social justice for all Colombians. With Francia Márquez becoming the first Afro-Colombian woman vice-president, the incoming government shows its progressive and inclusive values, which promises positive change.

“We look forward to working with President elect Petro to further strengthen the ties between Colombia and the European Union. Colombia is a crucial partner for us.”

Maria Manuel Leitão Marques, S&D spokesperson for EUROLAT, added:

“As Gustavo Petro said yesterday, this must be the moment of “respect and dialogue”. Colombia needs to continue on the path of reconciliation and sustainable development , and also accelerate its fight against poverty in order to reduce the inequalities and build a more inclusive society.”