Colombian President Gustavo Petro continued his attacks against El Salvador's Nayib Bukele. This is the second time in March that Petro has spoken out publicly in a critical tone against his Salvadoran counterpart.
On this occasion, Petro accused Bukele of negotiating with the maras, a type of Salvadoran gang, to reduce violence in the streets. "Better than making government pacts under the table is that justice can make them on the table without deceit and in search of Peace," wrote the Colombian leftist.
"The Millennial President," as Bukele is known, was quick to respond to his Colombian counterpart. He reminded him of the latest news about the corruption scheme in which Petro's own son is involved. Quickly the hashtag #TodoBienEnCasa (all good at home) went viral on Twitter.
Pónganse de acuerdo. Primero acusa de tratos inhumanos y ahora hablan de “mejores condiciones”.
Además, no entiendo su obsesión con El Salvador.
¿No es su hijo el que hace pactos bajo la mesa y además por dinero?
¿Todo bien en casa? 🙃 https://t.co/zLjoZoy66R
— Nayib Bukele (@nayibbukele) March 9, 2023
Gustavo Petro responded by indirectly accusing Bukele of putting an end to the presumption of innocence in El Salvador and putting democracy and justice in question. The former guerrilla referred to the measures that the Salvadoran government employed to put an end to the serious spiral of violence that plagued the country.
Bukele imposed a state of emergency in March 2022 that is still in place. Since then, the homicide rate per 100,000 inhabitants has fallen to 7.8, the best figure in the country's history and the second best in the entire region.
Estimado presidente Nayib todo bien en mi casa.
Aquí existe la presunción de inocencia, principio universal. Aquí el presidente no destituye ni jueces, ni magistrados; lucha por una justicia más autonoma y fuerte.
Aquí en Colombia profundizamos la democracia no la destruimos. https://t.co/IZSR59XHvb
— Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) March 9, 2023
Confrontations between Petro and Bukele
The confrontations between Bukele and Petro are not a novelty. Earlier this month, they had a clash over similar issues when President Petro criticized Bukele's measures during a speech on March 1. Bukele responded via Twitter, highlighting that his measures against gang violence have been more successful than Petro's.
Señor @petrogustavo,
Los resultados pesan más que la retórica.
Deseo que Colombia en realidad logre bajar los índices de homicidios, como lo hemos logrado los salvadoreños.
Dios los bendiga. pic.twitter.com/3AV7Ed6MUq
— Nayib Bukele (@nayibbukele) March 1, 2023
The Colombian president assured that violence has been reduced in Colombia by other means, such as the creation of universities, study centers and spaces for dialogue. The homicide rate per 100,000 inhabitants in Colombia was 26.1 points in 2022. Bukele also criticized Petro for indulging in criticism when the Salvadoran enjoys a better rating in the polls than he does. Between 80% and 95% of Salvadorans support Bukele, versus just 50%-57% of Colombians for Petro.
