Colombia Congresswoman Suspended for Illegally Ordering President's Removal

Colombia's Attorney General's Office has provisionally removed ruling party congresswoman Gloria Arizabaleta from her post. The action follows her order to suspend President Gustavo Petro, an act the office deems she lacked the authority to perform. The move also raises concerns about potential abuse of power, as Arizabaleta is accused of "prevaricato por acción," a crime involving making decisions without legal competence.

Arizabaleta, who heads the House of Representatives' Commission on Investigation and Accusation, ordered Petro's provisional suspension. She cited alleged political interference by the president in the current election campaign as grounds. Petro, also a member of the ruling Pacto Histórico party, has denied intervening in politics.

However, the Attorney General's Office stated that Arizabaleta's order lacked legal basis. According to the constitution, the Accusation Commission investigates the president, and if it finds merit, it must refer the case to the Senate, which holds the sole authority to suspend the president. Arizabaleta's unilateral decision bypassed this established procedure.

Petro has faced multiple accusations of political involvement during the campaign. The Accusation Commission had previously opened an investigation into him on May 26. Despite these ongoing investigations, his alleged participation in daily campaign commentary and exchanges with political opponents, such as far-right lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella, continues.

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I have not intervened in politics and I have clarified it.