'I was warned that politics was dirty. But I didn't imagine it was so dirty': Gustavo Bolívar in controversy with influencers

Less than a week before the Historic Pact convention, tensions within the leftist party escalated over Gustavo Bolívar's statements. In a video and later in interviews, he alleged that influencers and "bodegas" were being paid to discredit him.

The accusation caused a stir within the leftist ranks, with several people questioning Bolívar's statements, including influencers and members of Congress who will be part of the race for the Historic Pact presidential nomination. Amid these responses, Bolívar addressed the issue again on social media.

"I was warned that politics was dirty. But I never imagined it was this dirty," said Bolívar, who then added that he will continue running despite the latest accusations from his own supporters.

In that sense, he said: "Even so, we remain stronger, more determined. Speaking truths that unleash hell because we came to change politics, not to muddy it further ." Bolívar went so far as to label some of his opponents as "power addicts."

"If this country has evolved, decency and preparation should be enough for us to triumph over those addicted to power, who, out of inertia, are corrupt and evil human beings," he declared.

After Bolívar's revelations became known, various sectors of the left have questioned him. Left-wing influencers were the first to react. "We reject the statements made by pre-candidate Gustavo Bolívar and the corporate media that accuse us, without evidence, of acting for pay or in coordination. The 'warehouses' do not exist. What exists is autonomous, disciplined work committed to change," they stated in a statement.

The public communication is signed by Ivonne Gómez, Julio Rodríguez, Alejandro Betancourt, Sebastián Vargas, Carlos Mario Patiño, Beto Coral, Alexander Chala, Adriana M. Ruiz, Miguel Moreno, David Rozo, Laura Martínez, Natalia Giraldo, Juliana Beltrán and Diana Albornoz.

They clarified that activists like them sign contracts with the State, always guaranteeing the fulfillment of their duties and refraining from buying opinions. They maintained that if these rules are followed, they would not be committing any punishable offenses. They invited those who disagree with their employment relationship with the State to prove their position before the courts.

Senator María José Pizarro, who will be running for the Bolívar presidential candidate, also expressed her concerns about the former official's remarks. "Advertising, citizen activity on social media, or that of influencers will be present. I don't share the stigma. Most influencers are genuine progressives who have championed the ideas of change through social media," Pizarro said in a tweet.

Juan Sebastian Lombo Delgado