Colombian President Gustavo Petro has requested all cabinet ministers to resign to improve governance. Ministers, including Environment Minister Susana Muhamad and Labor Minister Gloria Ines Ramirez, have resigned. The shake-up follows concerns over specific appointments tied to controversy, particularly involving Armando Benedetti and Laura Sarabia. Interior Minister Juan Fernando Cristo had previously suggested that the entire Cabinet should resign.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has requested the resignation of all his cabinet ministers, asserting that this move will allow his administration to more effectively implement the plans promised to the populace. Following this announcement, several ministers have already resigned. Notably, Environment Minister Susana Muhamad and Labor Minister Gloria Ines Ramirez confirmed their departures on February 9, along with two other senior officials, Jorge Rojas and Culture Minister Juan David Correa, according to reports from AA.
The cabinet shake-up follows a lengthy six-hour meeting on February 4, during which Minister Muhamad threatened to resign if former ambassador Armando Benedetti were appointed to a high-ranking position. Benedetti’s potential appointment has faced considerable backlash due to his connections with domestic violence allegations and ongoing investigations into election funding. Another contentious figure is Laura Sarabia, the foreign minister, whose past involvement in an illegal wiretapping scandal has raised concerns among some government officials.
President Petro made this decision prior to his trip to Dubai for a global summit. While some ministers are accompanying him, others remain in Colombia, awaiting further instructions from the President. Earlier, Interior Minister Juan Fernando Cristo suggested that the entire Cabinet should resign, noting that the current government cannot persist under present circumstances. Thus far, Sarabia is the only minister to have formally submitted her resignation, stating via Twitter that it was an honor to serve and that the President should determine what is best for the nation.
In summary, President Gustavo Petro’s call for cabinet resignations signifies a significant shift in his administration intended to enhance the implementation of government plans. This decision, prompted by internal tensions and controversies surrounding specific ministerial appointments, has already led to the exit of key officials. As the situation unfolds, the government awaits further developments and guidance from the President.
Original Source: globalsouthworld.com
