@guardian

Colombia has elected a former guerrilla fighter Gustavo Petro as president, making him the South American country’s first leftist head of state. "We are writing history right now – a new history for Colombia, for Latin America and for the world," @gustavopetrourrego said. Petro’s election marks a tidal shift for Colombia, a country that has never before had a leftist president, and follows similar victories for the left in Peru, Chile and Honduras. During his victory speech, Petro issued a call for unity and extended an olive branch to some of his harshest critics, saying all members of the opposition will be welcomed at the presidential palace “to discuss the problems of Colombia”. “From this government that is beginning there will never be political persecution or legal persecution, there will only be respect and dialogue,” he said, adding that he will listen to not only those who have raised arms but also to “that silent majority of peasants, Indigenous people, women, youth”. He added: "This is no longer time for resentment. This government that will begin on 7 August is a government of life, is a government that wants to build Colombia as a world life power. And if we summarise in three words what the government of life means, I would say first, peace, second, social justice, and third, environmental justice". Petro’s vice-president will be Francia Márquez – a prize-winning defender of human and environmental rights – marking the first time that a black woman fills the post. #colombia #worldnews #latinamerica #gustavopetro #climate #climatecrisis #environment #environmentaljustice #colombia #politics