大象传媒

Colombia this week elected a former rebel as its first left-wing president. Gustavo Petro鈥檚 win on Sunday represents a rejection of the establishment in a country facing strong economic headwinds, high levels of inequality, and continuing gang violence fuelled by the cocaine trade. Mr Petro and his running mate Francia M谩rquez - who will become the country鈥檚 first black vice-president - plan to reform taxes, phase out new oil exploration projects, and rethink the war on drugs. Colombia has long been a close partner to the United States in the region, recently designated by Washington as 鈥渁 major non-NATO ally鈥�. The new leadership team in Bogot谩 want to take a fresh look at trade relations with both the US and Venezuela. So, who is Gustavo Petro and what does he stand for? What will his historic win mean for Colombia鈥檚 place in the region and the world? And can the new president deliver on his promise of sweeping change without control of the country鈥檚 congress? Ritula Shah is joined by a panel of expert guests.

Ritula Shah with a panel of guests.
Producers: Rozita Riazati and Paul Schuster.