Foreign policy headache looms for Biden admin as Colombia elects first ever leftist president

Gustavo Petro made history Sunday, becoming Colombia's first ever left-wing president. Petro is just one of the latest left-wing candidates to win on the continent.

Joseph Humire, executive director of the Center for a Secure Free Society warns: "The victory of Gustavo Petro in Colombia consolidates the gains of the Latin American left over the last decade. But while the Biden administration may sympathize with the leftist political agenda of a new President Petro, the U.S. should pay close attention to any potential authoritarian actions or efforts by the new Colombian government to dismantle, hijack or polarize democratic institutions in the country under the guise of constitutional reform."

The praise coming in from the continent’s socialist leaders was fast. Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro was quick to congratulate Petro and his running mate. "I congratulate Gustavo Petro and Francia Márquez for their historic victory in the Presidential elections in Colombia. The will of the Colombian people, who came out to defend the path of democracy and peace, was heard. New times are in sight for this sister country."