BOGOTA: A video showing Colombian lawmaker Cathy Juvinao secretly vaping during a parliamentary session has gone viral, sparking widespread criticism online. The incident took place during a health sector reform discussion at the Colombian National Congress in Bogotá, where Juvinao was captured using an e-cigarette (vape) in the Assembly hall.
As soon as the footage surfaced on social media, it quickly gained attention and was shared across various platforms, particularly on X (formerly known as Twitter). In the video, Juvinao can be seen discreetly vaping while a parliamentary debate on healthcare reforms was underway. The footage shows her sitting amongst other lawmakers, seemingly unaware that she was being filmed, while taking puffs from the vape device.
Social Media Backlash
The incident was immediately met with a backlash from social media users, many of whom condemned her actions, calling it highly inappropriate and disrespectful. One user remarked that using a vape during a health-related meeting is “downright barbaric,” especially when such an environment should uphold health-related ethics. Other users expressed frustration, with some going as far as to call for Juvinao’s resignation. “She should resign immediately,” one user stated, “Smoking, or in this case, vaping in Parliament is a sign of disrespect and a breach of professionalism.”
Controversial Behavior
Juvinao, a well-known political figure in Colombia and a member of the ruling party, was in the Assembly to participate in a key discussion about reforms in Colombia’s health sector. The reforms are crucial to improving the country’s healthcare system, a pressing issue in the nation, especially amid global health crises and ongoing domestic challenges. However, Juvinao’s actions in this official capacity drew the ire of citizens and opposition members alike.
As the video went viral (Smoking in Parliament), public outrage mounted, with many Colombians questioning her behavior as a role model and representative of their country. The controversy sparked debates on social media about personal responsibility and professional conduct for elected officials, especially when they are supposed to be setting an example for the citizens they represent.
Amid the growing backlash, Juvinao quickly issued a public apology. She expressed regret for her actions, acknowledging that her behavior in Parliament was inappropriate and did not reflect the seriousness of the discussions taking place in the legislative chamber. In her statement, she conveyed her sincere apologies to both her colleagues in the Assembly and the people of Colombia for this lapse in judgment. She promised to uphold more responsible and professional conduct in the future.
Her apology, however, did not silence all criticism, with some still urging stronger accountability for her actions, including calls for disciplinary action. Others, meanwhile, accepted the apology but urged that politicians adhere to a higher standard of decorum, particularly in such serious environments as legislative sessions.
