U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) issued a statement following Gustavo Petro’s victory in Sunday’s presidential election in Colombia.
The people of Colombia have spoken,” Rubio said. “However narrow the victory, the United States now faces a Colombia unfamiliar to us — one to be led by a far-left, former M-19 guerilla member with an openly hostile approach towards the United States and our nations’ joint efforts as well as our interests in securing and promoting a prosperous Western Hemisphere.
Petro won by 50.4% to 47.3%, a margin wider than expected Sunday, in a run-off against Rodolfo Hernández, a Columbian property tycoon.
Petro’s 11.3 million votes marked the highest tally in Colombia’s electoral history. This was pushed by a record turnout of 58%.
Petro is a former mayor of Bogotá and once belonged to M-19, a leftist guerrilla group. “Real change is coming,” Petro said in a victory speech in Bogota. “This is another Colombia.”
“On the road to a more intense and normal diplomatic relationship I have just held a very friendly conversation with U.S. President Biden,” Petro said on Twitter. “In his words, a ‘more equitable’ relationship for the benefit of both peoples.”
“Let’s celebrate the first popular victory. May so many sufferings be cushioned in the joy that today floods the heart of the homeland,” Petro tweeted in celebration on Sunday night.
Gustavo Petro will become Colombia’s first leftist leader.
Rubio added Tuesday, “Sunday’s election results pose a tremendous concern for Florida’s Colombian-American community, who are watching closely as their beloved homeland falls prey to a Marxist leader. The United States must remain vigilant that Colombia’s institutions, its rule of law, and freedom of the press are not undermined.”
Visit Tampafp.com for Politics, Tampa Area Local News, Sports, and National Headlines. Support journalism by clicking here to our GiveSendGo or sign up for our free newsletter by clicking here.
Android Users, Click Here To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook Here Or Twitter Here.
Copyright 2022 The Free Press, LLC, tampafp.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.