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Gustavo Petro

Gustavo Petro is a Colombian politician and economist who became president of Colombia in 2022.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Gustavo Petro is a Colombian politician and economist who became president of Colombia in 2022. A former member of the M-19 guerrilla movement, he previously served as mayor of Bogotá and as a senator. He is widely described as Colombia’s first leftist president.

Early life and education

Gustavo Petro was born on 19 April 1960 in Ciénaga de Oro, Córdoba, Colombia. He is described as a Colombian economist and politician. In his youth, he became a member of the M-19 guerrilla movement.

Political career

Petro later entered mainstream politics, serving as a senator and as mayor of Bogotá. He also founded the political movement Colombia Humana after leaving earlier party structures.

Presidency

Petro won the 2022 presidential election and took office on 7 August 2022. His election was widely described as a historic shift because he became Colombia’s first leftist president.

Political positions

Petro is associated with progressive and left-wing politics. Coverage of his administration emphasizes social reform, environmental protection, peace efforts, and changes to Colombia’s economic model.

Key facts

  • Born in Ciénaga de Oro, Colombia, in 1960.
  • Was a member of the M-19 guerrilla movement in his youth.
  • Served as mayor of Bogotá before becoming president.
  • Won the 2022 Colombian presidential election.
  • Is described by major sources as Colombia’s first leftist president.
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Canadian context

Canadian readers may encounter Petro in coverage of Colombia’s political shift, regional diplomacy, migration, trade, and environmental policy in Latin America.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Gustavo Petro?
Gustavo Petro is a Colombian politician and economist who has served as president of Colombia since 7 August 2022.
Why is Gustavo Petro historically significant?
He is widely described as Colombia’s first leftist president, marking a major shift in the country’s modern politics.
What was Gustavo Petro’s background before politics?
He was a member of the M-19 guerrilla movement in his youth before entering mainstream politics.
What offices did Gustavo Petro hold before the presidency?
He served as senator and as mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.
When was Gustavo Petro born?
He was born on 19 April 1960.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Gustavo-Petro
    Supports: Birth date and place; former M-19 member; president since 2022; first leftist president.
  2. Al Jazeera — https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2026/1/26/gustavo-petro-colombias-former-rebel-fighter-turned-president-2
    Supports: Petro as Colombia’s first leftist president and his broad political trajectory.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gustavo_Petro
    Supports: Mayor of Bogotá; 2018 and 2022 presidential campaigns; founding of Colombia Humana.
  4. Le Monde — https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2022/06/21/gustavo-petro-from-marxist-guerilla-fighter-to-president-of-colombia_5987562_4.html
    Supports: 2022 election victory; left-wing coalition leadership; date of taking office.