Early Life and Education of Gustavo Petro: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 16, 2026

An overview of the childhood and early education of Gustavo Petro, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Gustavo Petro is a Colombian politician and economist serving as the President of Colombia since 2022, marking the country's first left-wing government in modern history. A former member of the M-19 guerrilla movement, he transitioned into mainstream politics, serving as a senator and the Mayor of Bogotá. Petro’s political platform focuses on progressive reforms, including environmental sustainability, social equality, and the transition away from fossil fuels. He advocates for the implementation of the 2016 peace accords to end long-standing domestic conflicts and seeks to address systemic poverty through tax reform and land redistribution. His presidency represents a significant shift in Colombian politics, characterized by ambitious domestic policies aimed at economic restructuring and climate action, while navigating complex challenges in regional diplomacy and national security.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

April 1960: Birth of Gustavo Petro

In April 1960, Gustavo Francisco Petro Urrego was born, marking the beginning of the life of the future Colombian politician and economist.

Others born on this day/year

1974: Formation of the M-19 Movement

In 1974, the 19th of April Movement (M-19) was established in Colombia as a guerrilla organization formed to challenge the National Front coalition.

1981: Election as Ombudsman of Zipaquirá

In 1981, while associated with the M-19 movement, Gustavo Petro was elected to serve as the ombudsman of the municipality of Zipaquirá.

1982: Graduation from Universidad Externado de Colombia

In 1982, Gustavo Petro successfully completed his undergraduate studies and earned a bachelor's degree in economics from the Universidad Externado de Colombia.

1984: Beginning of Councilman Tenure

Starting in 1984, Gustavo Petro began his service as a councilman, a position he held as part of his early political career during the 1980s.

1985: Arrest for M-19 affiliation

In 1985, Gustavo Petro was arrested by the Colombian army due to his involvement with the M-19 guerrilla group, a year marked by the violent attack on the Palace of Justice.

1985: Arrest and Imprisonment of Gustavo Petro

In 1985, Gustavo Petro was arrested by the Colombian army on charges of illegal arms possession. Following his arrest, he endured ten days of torture within the XIII Brigade stables and was subsequently sentenced to an 18-month prison term, an experience that led him to renounce armed resistance as a political strategy.

1985: Palace of Justice Siege and M-19 Activities

In 1985, the M-19 group, with which Petro was affiliated, carried out the assassination of 13 Colombian politicians during the Palace of Justice siege. During this period, the group was also involved in acts of violence and kidnappings, while Petro simultaneously led efforts to seize land to house displaced families, contributing to the development of the Bolívar 83 neighborhood.

1986: Conclusion of Councilman Tenure

Gustavo Petro concluded his tenure as a councilman in 1986, marking the end of that specific political role he held since 1984.

1987: M-19 Peace Negotiations

During 1987, the M-19 guerrilla movement, of which Gustavo Petro was a member, entered into formal peace negotiations with the Colombian government to resolve the ongoing internal conflict.

1991: Formation of the M-19 Democratic Alliance

In 1991, following the demobilization of the M-19 movement, Gustavo Petro and other former members established the M-19 Democratic Alliance, which successfully secured multiple seats in the Chamber of Representatives for the department of Cundinamarca.

February 1992: Venezuelan coup attempt

In February 1992, Lieutenant Colonel Hugo Chávez led a coup attempt in Venezuela, an event that resulted in his imprisonment before his eventual release.

July 1994: Meeting with Hugo Chávez

In July 1994, Gustavo Petro met with Hugo Chávez, who had recently been released from prison, during a conference focused on Bolivarian thought held at the Simón Rodríguez Cultural Foundation in Bogotá.

2006: Admission of Financial Support

During his 2006 presidential reelection campaign, Álvaro Uribe admitted to receiving financial contributions from Enilse López, despite previously refuting Petro's earlier allegations.

May 2007: Espionage operation against Gustavo Petro

On May 7, 2007, the Colombian army apprehended two intelligence non-commissioned officers who were caught spying on Gustavo Petro and his family in Tenjo, Cundinamarca. The individuals initially identified themselves as agents of the Departamento Administrativo de Seguridad (DAS), though the agency's director, Andrés Peñate, later refuted this claim.

May 2009: Imprisonment of Enilse López

As of May 2009, Enilse López was officially imprisoned and under investigation due to her connections to the paramilitary group known as the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC).

April 2016: Investigation into Petro's academic credentials

In April 2016, an investigation published by El Espectador revealed that Gustavo Petro had listed academic degrees on his résumé—specifically a specialization in Public Administration, a master’s in Economics, and a PhD in New Trends in Business Management—which he had not officially earned. Petro responded by clarifying that while he had completed the coursework for these programs, he failed to fulfill the final requirements such as theses or specific research components, leading to an controversy regarding the accuracy of his academic background.

August 7, 2026: Presidential Transition of Colombia

On August 7, 2026, Abelardo de la Espriella is scheduled to officially succeed Gustavo Petro as the President of Colombia following the 2026 election. This transition follows Petro's formal acknowledgment of the election results and the commencement of the official handover process.