Colombian President tells cabinet to resign in major shake-up
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has asked all his ministers to resign.
He says this will help his government better follow the plans promised to the people.
Some ministers have already left. Environment Minister Susana Muhamad and Labor Minister Gloria Ines Ramirez both confirmed their resignations on February 9.
Two other key officials, Jorge Rojas and Culture Minister Juan David Correa, have also stepped down, AA reports.
This comes after a tense six-hour Cabinet meeting on February 4. During the meeting, Muhamad said she would leave if Armando Benedetti, a former ambassador, was given a top government job.
Benedetti’s possible appointment has been widely criticised because of his links to domestic violence cases and an investigation into election funding.
Another controversial appointment is Laura Sarabia as foreign minister. Some officials oppose her return because of allegations that she was involved in an illegal wiretapping case.
Petro made his decision just before travelling to Dubai for a global summit. Some ministers have joined him, while others are waiting in Colombia for the president’s next move.
Interior Minister Juan Fernando Cristo had earlier suggested the entire Cabinet should resign, saying the government could not continue as it was.
So far, Sarabia is the only minister who has formally submitted her resignation. In a post on her Twitter page, she said it was an honour to serve and that Petro should decide what is best for the country.
