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What do you get when you mix a guerrilla fighter, an economist, and a president with a penchant for bold moves? A political force that can’t be ignored, of course. Gustavo Petro, Colombia’s 34th president and its first left-wing leader in decades, recently stirred the pot by announcing that his presidential plane would be used to repatriate Colombian migrants deported from the US. It’s a reaction, no less, to US tariffs and sanctions—one that showcases the same blend of intellectual prowess and unyielding resolve that has marked Petro’s path from classroom student to revolutionary figurehead.
Before Petro was shaking up Colombia’s political scene, he was just a curious student, eager to absorb not just any knowledge, but the kind that could challenge inequality and rewrite the rulebook. So, what happens when thirst for knowledge evolves into political clout? A career that makes any political science textbook look tame. From the classroom to the frontlines, Petro’s education didn’t just help him navigate Colombia’s labyrinthine issues—it armed him with the tools to transform them.

The Foundations of a Revolutionary Mind

Long before Gustavo Petro became a household name in Colombian politics, he was a curious boy growing up in Ciénaga de Oro, Córdoba. His early education at Colegio de Hermanos Cristianos was the spark that ignited his sharp intellect. Known for his analytical mind, young Petro was never content with simple answers—he needed to know why. This relentless curiosity set him apart and laid the foundation for a lifetime of questioning authority.
Petro’s academic journey took a significant turn when he enrolled at the Externado University of Colombia, where he pursued a degree in Economics. It was here that he began to understand the deep-rooted inequalities plaguing his country. For Petro, this wasn’t just about numbers and theories—it was about finding solutions to transform society. The skills he gained during these years would later prove invaluable as he navigated Colombia’s complex political landscape.

A 17-Year-Old Guerrilla? Why Not?

At 17, while most teens were busy planning their futures, Petro chose a rather unconventional extracurricular activity—joining the M-19 guerrilla movement. A bold move? Absolutely. Reckless? Perhaps. But Petro wasn’t one to sit idle while inequality festered. As part of this radical group, he traded textbooks for a manifesto, dedicating himself to the fight for justice. Of course, this decision landed him in hot water. Arrested and tortured by the military in 1985, Petro endured hardships that would have broken many.
Yet, when the guns fell silent, Petro didn’t walk away. He swapped the camouflage for a suit, trading rebellion in the trenches for reform in parliament. Because why tear down the system when you can rebuild it from the inside?

Politics: The New Battlefield

When Petro entered Colombia’s political arena in 1991, it wasn’t as some meek newcomer. Representing Cundinamarca in the Chamber of Representatives, he quickly made waves. With every debate, Petro showed he wasn’t afraid to ruffle feathers. Fast forward to 2006, and his time as a senator was nothing short of legendary. His exposé on the Parapolitics scandal revealed dangerous ties between paramilitary groups and the government, proving once again that he wasn’t just another politician—he was the watchdog the country didn’t know it needed.

Mayor Today, President Tomorrow

Petro’s stint as Bogotá’s mayor from 2012 to 2015 was the perfect warm-up act. His policies aimed at reducing poverty and promoting environmental sustainability showcased his knack for balancing idealism with action. Sure, he made enemies. But when has that ever stopped him?
His persistence paid off in 2022 when he finally clinched the presidency, making history alongside Francia Márquez, his Afro-Colombian running mate. Petro’s vision for a greener, fairer Colombia struck a chord with voters. And with his signature mix of defiance and diplomacy, he’s made it clear that he’s not about to play by the old rules.

From The Radical to A Rational Revolutionary

Gustavo Petro’s story isn’t just about breaking the mould—it’s about smashing it to smithereens. From guerrilla fighter to senator, from mayor to president, he’s proof that the road to change is rarely a straight line. And while he may have traded his rifle for a pen and his manifesto for policy proposals, one thing remains constant: Petro doesn’t just lead Colombia—he challenges it to dream bigger, fight harder, and demand more.