Bogota’s controversial mayor was the only Colombian invited by the former president of Brazil to a conference of Latin American intellectuals that seeks to explore the future of the contintent, reported local media on Monday.
The embattled mayor of Colombia’s capital of Bogota, Gustavo Petro, should he choose to attend the conference on January 21 in the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo, will contribute to three discussion sessions: Democracy and Development, Regional Integration and a Common Agenda, reported newspaper El Espectador.
Among those who will join former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva at the conference are Brazil’s defense minister, Argentina’s ambassador to France, the former leader of the Latin American Economic Comission, a Chilean presidential candidate, and many more.
The invitation has come as one of the few brights spots for Petro, whose government has come under fire for numerous reasons, particularly his handling of the municipilzation of trash collection. Colombia’s Inspector General is considering opening an official investigation to ascertain whether the municipilization process was marred by criminal conduct. To further add to the mayor’s trouble, one congressman has intiated a process to impeach him for alleged governmental incompetence.
