“Zapateiro in his shoes”: reactions to the statements of the Army General against Petro

A great stir in the country was caused by statements issued by the Colombian National Army General, Commander Eduardo Zapateiro, who lashed out against the candidate presidential Gustavo Petro. The reactions were not long in coming and, from all political shores, there were pronouncements, mainly against those who lead the Colombian military forces.

In most cases, Zapateiro was told of wanting to threaten democracy, violate the neutrality that members of the security forces must maintain, and the full weight of the law was requested for the general's apparent violation of the Colombian Political Constitution.

In those who aspire to succeed Iván Duque in the Presidency of the Republic, there were divided opinions. The candidate of the Centro Esperanza Coalition, Sergio Fajardo, expressed solidarity with Gustavo Petro for Zapateiro's criticism and not only questioned the general, but took the opportunity to question the national government.

A different opinion was held by the nominee of the Team for Colombia coalition, Federico 'Fico' Gutiérrez, who justified Zapateiro's diatribe and described as “double moralists” those who questioned the military forces.

“I am impressed that a military man's triune is more indignant than the dozens of policemen and soldiers who have been killed in the last week. The double standard of some political sectors of the country is impressive. They don't even feel sorry anymore! I support our military forces,” said the former mayor of Medellín, which triggered a rifirrafe on Twitter with Petro, who questioned what Fico said.

“Respect the Constitution!” , answered the leader of Colombia Humana.

For now, Ingrid Betancourt, Rodolfo Hernandez, Luis Perez, John Milton Rodriguez and Rodolfo Hernandez, the other candidates for the presidency, have not spoken out on the matter.

For example, the House Representative for the Green Alliance, Katherine Miranda, used a popular adage to question the commander and sent him to dedicate himself to his duties leading the army. “Zapateiro to your shoes!!!! DON'T GET INVOLVED IN POLITICS!” , he said.

The senator-elect of the Historical Pact, Iván Cepeda, launched several questions against the military leader and assured that the next week, when Defense Minister Diego Molano faces a debate of political control, “Zapateiro will have to face Congress and the country for the systematic practice of 'false positives'. There, General, in the face of the solid elements that we will present, your cries, bravado or threats are not worth it. Get ready.”

One of Petro's most loyal squires, Congressman Roy Barreras, also reacted to this political alliance, who not only scolded Zapateiro for his very clear intervention in the electoral process, but also denounced him to the Attorney General's Office for his controversial statements.

“I request their immediate suspension because of their flagrant political belligerence. It is a risk for Democracy that it interferes with the elections by carrying the arms of the Republic,” Barreras said.

Senator-elect Humberto de la Calle reacted from the Centro Esperanza Coalition, who criticized President Duque for justifying Zapateiro's comments and, like other personalities, assured that the commander violated the law.

From there also reacted the elected representatives Duvalier Sánchez, who recommended to the military that if he “wants to do politics he must ask for retirement.” Catherine Juvinao, for her part, reminded Zapateiro of one of the most controversial events in her career in the armed forces:

“Gen. Zapateiro is offended by Petro's views but not by Popeye's crimes. What a shame that he is the head of our army,” said the congressman, referring to Jhon Jairo Velásquez (Popeye), one of the bloodiest hit men of Antioquia's kingpin Pablo Escobar.

Other political figures such as the mayor of Medellín also expressed solidarity with Petro and, in unison with others, they also criticized Eduardo Zapateiro and the first Colombian president. “For the sake of democracy and national stability, President Duque must call for the immediate resignation of General Zapateiro who, despite being in charge of 500,000 armed men, decided to take political parties. Their participation in politics is illegal and dangerous for everyone,” said Daniel Quintero.

Further pronouncements and possible sanctions are expected against the commander of the Colombian National Army.

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