Colombia: Petro Comments on His Rival’s Rejection of Debate

A few days before the celebration of the second round of elections in Colombia, the presidential candidate of the Historical Pact, Gustavo Petro, criticized his opponent, the right-wing candidate Rodolfo Hernandez, of the League of Anti-Corruption Rulers for having refused to participate in the public debate.

RELATED:
Some Keys for the Colombian Presidential Elections on June 19

Gustavo Petro also reaffirmed his willingness to debate with Rodolfo Hernandez, according to what the Superior Court of Bogota ordered, ruling that both candidates should carry out a public debate exponing their governing program proposals responding to people's requests.

"I can only say that one cannot be President and cheat the judges. Without judges, there will only be dictatorship and violence. We will abide by and defend justice," said the candidate of the Historical Pact making reference to Hernandez's statements about not attending the debate ordered by the court in Bogota.

According to Rodolfo Hernandez, he did not find a genuine willingness on the part of Gustavo Petro to agree on the rules of the debate that should be set for the meeting to take place. Responding to Hernandez's arguments, candidate Petro said he was willing to debate without setting conditions and left all the debate details in the hands of the Public Media System RTVC.

"Yesterday I said I was ready for the debate, and I reiterate it—yesterday and today. I am glad that you agree to the debate. You did not want to, they force you," told Gustavo Petro in a statement.

Gustavo Petro and Rodolfo Hernández will face each other next June 19 in the second round of elections to define who will lead the country for the next four years.