Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s Approval Rating Slips to 47.3% as His Term Nears Its End
By Hotspotnews
As Colombian President Gustavo Petro enters the final 100 days of his historic four-year term, a new Invamer poll reveals a slight decline in his public support. The survey, conducted in mid-to-late April 2026, shows his approval rating at 47.3%, down about two points from recent months, with his negative image standing at 48.9%.41
Petro, Colombia’s first left-wing president elected in 2022, has presided over a deeply polarized administration marked by ambitious reforms on issues like economic transformation, total peace initiatives with armed groups, and shifts away from fossil fuel dependency. While his term has seen notable rebounds in popularity—reaching a high of 49.1% in February 2026 after an 11-point jump from late 2025—the latest figures reflect the challenges of governing in a divided nation amid ongoing scandals and security concerns.25
A Polarized Legacy in the Final Stretch
The Invamer poll, widely referenced in Colombian media, captures a country still grappling with Petro’s bold agenda. Supporters credit him with highlighting deep social inequalities, advancing progressive taxation, land restitution efforts, and visible policy wins such as minimum wage increases and diplomatic maneuvers. His administration’s focus on “dignity, work, and social justice” has sustained a loyal base, helping position his successor candidate, Senator Iván Cepeda of the Historic Pact, as the frontrunner in the upcoming May 31, 2026, presidential election with around 44% support in the same poll.20
Critics, however, point to persistent issues including stalled key reforms in Congress, security challenges in regions like Cauca, economic pressures, and a series of scandals involving cabinet members and campaign financing allegations. These factors have contributed to the near-even split in public perception as Petro’s term winds down. Despite the dip, his current numbers remain relatively strong compared to many predecessors in their final year, defying earlier lows that dipped into the 30s in 2025.42
With presidential elections approaching, the poll underscores the stakes. Cepeda leads a divided opposition, with right-leaning candidates Abelardo de la Espriella at 21.5% and Paloma Valencia at 19.8%. The left appears poised for continuity, but voter fatigue, regional violence, and anti-incumbent sentiment could still shift dynamics in the final weeks.44
Looking Ahead
Petro’s presidency has transformed Colombia’s political landscape, bringing leftist ideas to the forefront in a traditionally conservative-leaning system. As he prepares to hand over power—constitutionally barred from seeking immediate re-election—his approval hovers near the symbolic 50% mark that has eluded him for much of his tenure. This resilience may bolster his movement’s chances but also highlights the enduring divisions in Colombian society.
The coming months will test whether Petro’s “total peace” and reformist vision endure beyond his administration or face rollback under a potential new government. For now, at 47.3% approval with just over three months remaining, the leftist leader leaves office with a complex, contested record—one that continues to energize supporters while fueling intense debate among detractors. Colombia’s political future hangs in the balance as voters head to the polls.
