Written Off by Market, Colombia’s Leader Makes Surprise Comeback

Colombia’s leftist leader Gustavo Petro is enjoying an unexpected comeback, defying critics who dismissed him as an unpopular lame duck whose movement would be crushed in 2026 elections.

Three recent polls show a rebound in Petro’s approval ratings, helped by accelerating economic growth and a strong jobs market. Meanwhile his allies broke the deadlock in congress in June with the passing of a bill to boost workers’ rights and overtime pay.