In an open letter, Petro Gustavo, the leader of Colombia’s most left-wing political party Polo Democratico, proposes that his party, the Green Party and othe independent Colombian political forces work together.
“We, and you, have promoted various reforms … and I believe it is constructive for Colombia that we don’t behave like spectators or, as independent entities from the government, take uncoordinated action,” Petro argues in the letter, which was addressed to former Green Party presidential candidate Antanas Mockus and his running mate Sergio Fajardo.
Petro says he hopes that Polo and the Greens can come to an agreement on “a plan of action for our political forces.”
“The political climate in the the country has changed substantially, the government is working towards serious reforms on substantial issues for the country, political polarization has diminished and the stage is open to dialogue, including political and social dialogue, the transition towards a peace process,” Petro writes.
The former presidential candidate cites issues such as the universal right to clean drinking water, the suspension of the controversial military pact with the U.S., plans to return land to the displaced and the restoring of ties with neighbor states, as reasons why “for the good of the country” the Greens and Polo should form a united front regarding these matters.
The Colombian political scene is rife with rumors that Petro has created a serious divide within Polo Democratico and may leave the party.
This is not the first time Petro has sought to align with the Greens. During Colombia’s second round June presidential elections, Petro proposed the two parties form an alliance, but Mockus declined the offer.
