"Whoever resigned, resigned": Petro's blow to Gustavo Bolívar

During the event "Together for the Transformation of Catatumbo, for Life, Productivity, and Legitimate Economies," held on May 9 in Tibú, Norte de Santander, President Gustavo Petro was the protagonist of a tense moment when he publicly expressed his disagreement with the intervention of Gustavo Bolívar, director of the DPS (National Police Department), who resigned in February.

The event proceeded normally and was attended by various national and local authorities, including the mayor of Tibú, the governor of Norte de Santander, and the director of the National Land Agency. It sought to highlight the government's efforts to transform the Catatumbo region, which has been plagued by long-standing social and economic problems.

More information: ANI assesses closure of Cartagena-Barranquilla highway due to damage to the Juan de Acosta Bridge

However, tensions arose when Gustavo Bolívar took the floor to announce the granting of a pension bonus to thousands of senior citizens in the region, explaining that it represents an additional investment of $52 billion pesos in a government effort to support this vulnerable population.

As soon as he finished his announcement and before the master of ceremonies could continue with the agenda, President Petro rose from his seat and took the microphone, visibly uncomfortable, and lashed out at one of the people who, since arriving at the Casa de Nariño, has shown himself to be a loyal official.

"Here I break, late now, I break the agenda because I don't think it should be," the president began, and then Petro emphasized that "those who resigned, resigned," in clear reference to Bolívar, who had submitted his resignation on February 10, 2025, with the intention of making it effective on May 16.

The president emphasized that a person who has already resigned should not continue to perform official duties, adding that "Angie (Lizeth Rodríguez, director of Dapre), a person who resigns because she has an aspiration, is already leaving. Her replacement is coming in and has to come and talk. This is a matter of respect for the government and the people," and made it clear that priority should be given to the new leaders of the programs implemented in the region.

You might be interested in: Inflation, GDP, dollar, rates: how the country's economy is doing in five months of 2025

It's worth remembering that Bolívar's resignation, which took place in February, was motivated by his intention to run for president in the 2026 elections. Although President Petro initially rejected the resignation, requesting that he remain in office for an additional period, Bolívar himself made it clear that his departure is imminent.

Following the incident, Bolívar did not react directly during the event. However, hours later, he used his social media to post a phrase that many interpreted as an indirect response to what happened, stating: "Love must be selfless, or it is not love." This expression was interpreted by some as a reaffirmation of his support for the president, despite the public dissent.

This incident did not go unnoticed and has generated diverse reactions in the political sphere. Some believe the president acted disproportionately, as Bolívar had not officially left office and was still serving in the DPS. Others, however, support Petro's position, arguing that the transition of public office must be respected to avoid confusion.

Thus, although Gustavo Bolívar's departure from the DPS will become effective on May 16, this episode leaves open the question of the impact of his departure on the internal dynamics of the Petro government, since the loyalty demonstrated by Bolívar in recent years contrasts with the president's attitude in this recent episode, which could generate tensions not only within Petro's inner circle, but also among the progressive electorate who see Bolívar as a figure of continuity.