Former Colombian president faces allegations of exploiting dozens of women for official events

In a congressional hearing, Carlos Andrés Ríos, director of the Administrative Department of the Presidency, alleged that former President Gustavo Petro directed a system that contracted 48 women to attend presidential functions, effectively using public salaries to secure sexual favors. Ríos described the Casa de Nariño as being organized for constant partying and the presence of women rather than for governing. Petro posted on X, vehemently denying any exchange of contracts for sexual relations and emphasizing his administration’s legitimate programs for poor women and single-parent households.

He recounted a youthful episode of visiting sex-work venues, expressing regret and claiming he ceased such visits decades ago. Petro also framed the accusations as part of a broader political attack, naming Donald Trump and Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella as proponents of the narrative. No independent verification of the claims was provided.