A bitter internal conflict has erupted within Colombian President Gustavo Petro's cabinet, with leaked WhatsApp messages revealing a heated exchange between Justice Minister Eduardo Montealegre and Interior Minister Armando Benedetti. The private group chat, intended for ministerial coordination, became the stage for personal attacks and accusations that exposed deep divisions within the government at a critical moment for Petro's legislative agenda.
The confrontation began over disagreements regarding the management of Petro's flagship "total peace" project. Montealegre accused Benedetti of being "lukewarm" toward the peace process and prioritizing media headlines over political coherence. In the leaked messages, Montealegre asserted that Benedetti's attitude was disorganizing the cabinet and weakening legislative strategy, even accusing him of leaking information to the press.
The exchange quickly escalated into personal territory, with Montealegre using particularly harsh language against his colleague. He called Benedetti a "clown" and referenced ongoing legal proceedings, stating: "We'll see how much of a fighting rooster Benedetti is when the Supreme Court soon puts him in jail for being corrupt." Montealegre further accused Benedetti of making the work environment "unlivable" by insulting ministers and promoting chaos.
Benedetti responded with disdain before ultimately leaving the group chat, telling Montealegre: "I haven't done anything wrong to you for you to speak like that about me. Leave me alone! And what a beautiful way to ask for help! I won't read this chat anymore." The public exposure of this internal rift raises questions about cabinet unity and provides fresh ammunition for opposition critics who have accused the Petro administration of losing political control.
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