The inclusion of President Gustavo Petro in the so-called Clinton list has generated an unprecedented diplomatic crisis between Bogotá and Washington. The measure, which singles out people or entities linked to illicit activities, has been interpreted as a blow to Colombia’s international reputation.

Presidential candidate Mauricio Lizcano described the situation as critical: “Beyond those responsible and the perpetrators, this has already gone from brown to dark. Our international relations with the United States are at their worst. Not even during the 8,000 process, when former president Ernesto Samper was included on the Clinton list, had there been a level of tension comparable to the current one.”

Lizcano highlighted the need to de-escalate the conflict through diplomatic channels, proposing to convene the Foreign Relations Commission of Congress and request the mediation of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who will meet next week with Donald Trump.

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“This is a state matter: we are talking about millions of jobs, US investments in Colombia and the dignity of a country and its president being named on the Clinton list,” he explained.

The candidate warned that the measure has a strong political and economic impact, affecting the international perception of Colombia and generating uncertainty among investors. Furthermore, he maintained that the inclusion of Petro places the country in a delicate position before the international community, “as a pariah country before the world,” and stressed the urgency of taking measures to protect the national reputation.

For Lizcano, the situation requires immediate and strategic decisions to protect Colombia’s international position. “It is a critical moment that requires rapid diplomatic action and coordination with regional allies,” he concluded, underscoring the importance of restoring the country’s credibility and confidence abroad.