President Gustavo Petro met with content creator Westcol at the Casa de Nariño on March 27 in a live stream lasting over an hour that drew more than one million viewers. They discussed security, youth opportunities and education, highlighting differences on a 'tough hand' against crime. Petro stressed education as the true easy path for young people.
President Gustavo Petro met with streamer Luis Fernando Villa Álvarez, known as Westcol, at the Casa de Nariño on March 27 for a live stream titled 'A Day as President with Gustavo Petro'. The encounter lasted just over an hour and a half, reaching more than one million connections across the Presidency's networks and Westcol's channels.
Westcol, presenting himself as politically neutral and planning a similar session with Álvaro Uribe Vélez, started by explaining his aim to learn about the country and message the youth. Petro led a tour of the palace, pointing to Simón Bolívar as the Republic's founder and criticizing the persistence of surnames like Valencia and Pastrana in power.
On security, a debate emerged: Westcol advocated a 'tough hand' against criminals, asking what if someone kills a thief in their home with an illegal weapon. Petro replied: 'First life, things can be recovered later,' warning against a vengeful view that could turn Colombia into Italy. He urged calling the police, noting every criminal has family.
On youth, Petro acknowledged easy paths like prostitution or hitman work but insisted education is best. He highlighted government efforts for free higher education, such as medicine, unemployment drop, inflation reduction and minimum wage increase. 'The best security policy is love in childhood and protection in youth,' he said.
Westcol polled viewers on whether Petro had changed the country for the young, receiving affirmative responses, described as unanimous in one source. Petro denied narcotrafficking probes as opposition narrative and declined a debate with Uribe. The stream ended with gifts: a sombrero vueltiao from Petro and a cap from Westcol.
