23.11.2025 10:40
Colombian President Gustavo Petro's shared credit card statements, intended to prove that he is not a "drug lord," have stirred controversy in the country. The expenses listed, including those from a strip club and shopping at luxury stores, have drawn significant backlash.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro opened his financial records to the public in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's accusation of him being a "drug lord." However, this move sparked a different debate. The details of Petro's spending have caused a significant stir in the country.
LUXURY EXPENSES REVEALED
The approximately 30-page documents indicated that Petro's total income over the last three years was £270,000 ($352,000). The statements included a €1,250 purchase at a Gucci store in Portugal in 2023, as well as expenses related to brands like Casa dei Tessuti, Ralph Lauren, and Apple.
€40 EXPENSE AT A STRIP CLUB
The most notable expense was a €40 payment made to the "Ménage Strip Club" in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. Petro did not deny this expense but avoided giving details, stating, "One day I will explain why I spent 40 euros there."
The opposition labeled this act as "shameful," while Petro defended himself by stating that he does not need to engage in paid relationships.
PUBLIC OUTRAGE
The Colombian Financial Information and Analysis Unit began to disclose bank statements from 2022 to June 2024 to the press at Petro's instruction. So far, no suspicious transactions have been reported in the documents; however, mortgage payments and expenses at luxury stores, along with the strip club payment, have sparked intense debate.
In a post on X, Petro responded to the criticisms by saying, "Your analysis is quite immature. This implies that if you are a socialist, you will go hungry because in capitalism, all food products are purchased."
Colombia will elect a new Congress and president in March and May 2026. Although Petro cannot run again, he clearly expresses that the left should remain in power.