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Gustavo Petro Denies Accusations from Mauricio Salazar Regarding Rescue Operations in Pereira

Former President Gustavo Petro has publicly defended the current rescue operations in Pereira following a political dispute with Mayor Mauricio Salazar. The controversy began after Petro accused Salazar of prematurely removing Colombian rescue workers to be replaced by Israeli machinery, which Petro claimed was a move that prioritized real estate over human life. Mayor Mauricio Salazar responded by clarifying that there was no official order to suspend the search for survivors. He explained that the removal of workers is based on technical protocols and on-the-ground evaluations rather than political considerations. Salazar urged for unity and responsibility during the tragedy, noting that the city needs accurate information rather than speculation. The dispute also highlights a broader political divide, as Minister Rodrigo Lara criticized Petro for comparing the local earthquake emergency with the Gaza conflict. Lara characterized Petro's comparison as 'vulgar' and while Petro maintains that the current administration's management of the disaster is efficient, the local leadership remains focused on the technical execution of the rescue efforts.

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