Colombian commission has not decided to suspend President Petro, congressman says

Colombian Congressman Alejandro Ocampo has publicly stated that the Chamber of Representatives' Commission for Investigation and Accusation has not made any decision to suspend President Gustavo Petro. This clarification comes after the commission's president, Gloria Arizabaleta, reportedly ordered Petro's provisional suspension.

Ocampo, a member of Petro's own Pacto Histórico party, assured the public that no decision has been made against the president and refuted media reports claiming a suspension. Arizabaleta had issued an order to provisionally suspend the president from his duties until June 21, coinciding with the second round of presidential elections, due to his alleged participation in politics during the campaign.

The order cited "serious elements of judgment" that could indicate Petro's continued presence in office might interfere with the investigation. Petro has faced multiple accusations of political involvement during the election campaign for his successor. The Investigation and Accusation Commission had opened an investigation into the matter on May 26.

However, Ocampo emphasized that President Petro remains in office and that Arizabaleta's order had not been formally submitted to the commission's secretariat for review. He urged the public and media not to cause unnecessary alarm. Legal experts and Minister of the Interior Armando Benedetti have pointed out that the Investigation and Accusation Commission is an "instructional commission" and does not have the constitutional authority to suspend the president. That power, according to the Constitution, rests with the Senate, which would act upon an accusation from the commission if it finds sufficient merit.