Latin American lawmakers condemn ‘Heil Hitler’ tweet by outgoing Colombian president

Lawmakers from 14 Latin American countries sign a statement condemning a post by outgoing Colombian President Gustavo Petro in which he shared an article endorsing an opponent in the upcoming election with the words, “Heil Hitler.”

Petro, a left-wing leader who severed his country’s diplomatic ties with Israel in 2024, posted the words on social platform X about an op-ed supporting right-wing presidential hopeful Abelardo de la Espriella in the country’s runoff election on June 21. Among other policies, Espriella has pledged to restore Colombia’s ties with Israel and open an embassy.

Heil Hitler https://t.co/IbRBgwUY3N

— Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) June 7, 2026

In a statement organized by the Combat Antisemitism Movement’s Coalition of Latin American Legislators Against Antisemitism, 24 lawmakers warn that the use of expressions associated with Nazism is improper in democratic debate and must be condemned, especially when it comes from a head of state.

The statement recalls that “Heil Hitler” remains one of the most recognizable symbols of the Nazi ideology.

“The use of references to Nazism must not become a rhetorical tool to discredit political or ideological positions. Democratic leaders have a responsibility to promote a respectful public debate that is conscious of the weight of words,” the statement says.

June 8, 2026: 24 lawmakers from 14 Latin American countries have signed a declaration condemning Colombian President Gustavo Petro's use of the Nazi slogan "Heil Hitler."

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The declaration was issued by CAM's Coalition of Latin American… pic.twitter.com/m6Hq4a14LQ

— Combat Antisemitism Movement (@CombatASemitism) June 9, 2026

Espriella will face off against Iván Cepeda, a left-wing candidate who has said he will maintain Petro’s stance on Israel. Petro was eliminated in national elections in May, after both Espriella and Cepeda each won more than 40% of the popular vote.