Ángela Benedetti, former ambassador and Bogotá councilwoman, alleged on August 3, 2026, that she was offered the management of Gustavo Petro’s presidential campaign on the condition that a percentage of collected funds be diverted to First Lady Verónica Alcocer. In an interview with La FM of RCN Radio, Benedetti stated she was offered the role with this requirement, though she clarified she did not personally witness cash movements or “bags of money.”
Campaign Management Offer and Alleged Fund Diversion
Benedetti told La FM that the offer to manage the campaign included a specific condition: a portion of the resources gathered for the 2022 bid was designated for Verónica Alcocer. While Benedetti does not recall the exact amount, she asserted that the sum, regardless of the figure, was intended for the First Lady.
Regarding the financial operations of the campaign, Benedetti noted that some individuals in the campaign’s orbit “asked for money” that never reached the official coffers. She denied knowledge of a specific credit card allegedly used by Alcocer and stated she does not know the individual referred to as “the Italian,” having only heard of him through reports and statements by Eva Ferrer.
Did You Know? Ángela Benedetti is the sister of Interior Minister Armando Benedetti and previously served as an ambassador during the administration of Juan Manuel Santos.
Verónica Alcocer’s Influence in Government and Campaign
According to Benedetti, Alcocer was not a secondary figure but played a “determinant” role in the campaign as part of the “circle zero.” She linked Alcocer to a group known as “the Catalans” and claimed Alcocer possessed the ability to pressure political figures, an influence that continued after the election.
Benedetti alleged that Alcocer maintained “her own quotas” at the start of the government and could speak on behalf of various entities. These claims align with previous audio recordings from Eva Ferrer suggesting Alcocer had influence over Ecopetrol and the Dian.
Laura Sarabia’s Role and Executive Decisions
The former ambassador claimed that Verónica Alcocer was responsible for appointing Laura Sarabia, the outgoing ambassador to the United Kingdom, to her position. Benedetti described Sarabia as someone who handled the president’s personal affairs and influenced high-level decisions, including the naming and removal of ministers.
This description of Sarabia’s authority was echoed by former Agriculture Minister Cecilia López, who stated she was notified of her removal from office by Sarabia. Benedetti noted that this level of influence created numerous internal enemies for the diplomat.
Government Critique and Future Outlook
Benedetti characterized the Petro administration as one of “infinite irresponsibility,” claiming the president appointed inexperienced people to power, which she says led to alleged acts of corruption. She identified a “breaking point” in Alcocer’s influence over Petro tied to “Panama and the video of the magnate.”
Expressing regret for helping Petro reach power, Benedetti stated she looks forward to the administration of Abelardo de la Espriella. She expects a different environment characterized by respect for the norms governing the nation’s highest office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Ángela Benedetti see actual cash transfers to Verónica Alcocer?
No. Benedetti told La FM that she did not see bags of money or cash movements, but she was told during the job offer that a percentage of campaign funds was for Alcocer.
What was Laura Sarabia’s alleged role in the government?
According to Benedetti, Sarabia attended to the president’s personal matters and had the authority to appoint and dismiss ministers.
Who are “the Catalans” in the context of these allegations?
Benedetti referred to them as people within Verónica Alcocer’s intimate sphere who were part of the campaign’s inner circle.
How do these allegations of informal power structures affect public trust in institutional appointments?
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