Colombian President Faces Financial Struggles After US Sanctions Freeze Banking Access and Presidential Salary

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has encountered difficulties accessing his salary following US sanctions imposed against him, according to his attorney who spoke with AFP on Thursday.

President Trump's administration recently placed Petro, his spouse, one of his children, and his interior minister on the US Treasury's sanctions list.

The US administration has alleged that Petro has been ineffective in combating drug trafficking operations.

These sanctions effectively freeze any assets they possess in the United States and prohibit them from conducting business with any US-connected companies.

"They've experienced freezes on their credit cards and banking accounts," explained Daniel Kovalik, who serves as Petro's legal representative.

"Even receiving compensation as government officials has become problematic."

Kovalik further mentioned that a fuel provider with US affiliations declined to refuel the presidential aircraft during a stop in Spain.

The exact amount of Petro's monthly compensation remains undisclosed to the public.

Kovalik indicated that diplomatic negotiations might provide a path toward resolving the situation.

"When you initiate legal proceedings, often the resolution comes through negotiation or diplomatic channels," he stated.

"This would typically involve intermediaries. We are actively pursuing such approaches."

Kovalik intends to contest the sanctions through both US court systems and appeals to the Treasury Department.

"Either approach will inevitably involve a lengthy and complex process," he acknowledged.

"A Colombian judicial body or perhaps an international tribunal could address the matter," but "realistically, the United States doesn't submit to external authorities."

Kovalik firmly maintains Petro's innocence regarding the accusations.

"I believe that ultimately truth will vindicate us," he asserted. "I've maintained a relationship with Petro for two decades, and my observation has been that throughout his political career, he has consistently opposed drug cartels."

He suggests that Petro is facing repercussions for challenging US foreign policy positions.

"I believe that (Trump) is attempting to target anyone who resists American foreign policy objectives," Kovalik explained.

"And he's facing punishment as a result. This sends a message to all leaders: align yourself (with US interests), or face consequences."

Kovalik cautioned that any organization or government maintaining relations with Petro could potentially face similar sanctions.

The attorney mentioned that his relationship with Petro began in the 2000s, during one of the most violent periods of Colombia's internal conflict, when both were working to expose connections between military forces and paramilitary organizations.

"That shared cause essentially brought us together," he recalled.