Corruption scandals rattle governments in Chile and Colombia

Corruption storms have struck at the heart of Chile’s and Colombia’s left-wing governments, fracturing public support and weakening their ability to pass reforms.

Allegations swirling around presidents Gabriel Boric and Gustavo Petro — involving the former’s top aide and the latter’s son — have cast shadows over already fragile administrations in Chile and Colombia. Both presidents have already struggled with plummeting popularity, and these new allegations will further unsettle their ability to drive significant political change.

News of the arrest of Mr. Petro’s son Nicolás reverberated across Colombia’s political landscape.

Nicolás Petro, under investigation for alleged campaign finance irregularities, was arrested on July 29 and charged with money laundering and illicit enrichment. His ex-wife, Daysuris Vásquez (who was also arrested), told local media in March that Mr. Petro’s son had arranged campaign contributions from individuals linked to drug trafficking.

The president denied any wrongdoing, distanced himself from his son’s actions after his arrest, and promised not to interfere with the judicial investigation. “It pains me to witness so much self-destruction, as one of my children faces imprisonment,” Mr. Petro said on Twitter. “I wish my son strength and resilience. May these events shape his character and make him reflect on his own mistakes.”

Nicolás Petro — a congressman until August — was eventually released on parole, but a prosecutor said he admitted there was illegal money in his father’s 2022 presidential campaign. 

According to the allegations, the president’s son received money from people accused of drug trafficking, allegedly in exchange for including them in the government’s peace...