Colombia suspends congresswoman Gloria Arizabaleta amid Petro campaign dispute

The Colombian House of Representatives officially enacted a provisional suspension of Representative Gloria Arizabaleta, who served the Valle del Cauca department. The suspension, ordered through Resolution 0343, will remain in effect until July 20, 2026, pending a disciplinary proceeding.

Arizabaleta was suspended for allegedly using her position to politicise the presidential campaign by attempting to remove President Gustavo Petro, citing a series of Petro's social‑media messages. The move follows a prior suspension ordered by the Prosecutor’s Office. The chamber also ordered her to return all parliamentary assets and declared her seat vacant, with no replacement allowed.

The decision sparked criticism from both the governing coalition and the opposition, each accusing the other of political maneuvering. The loss of her vote reduces the government's margin in the legislature as the term draws to a close.