Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro faces mounting pressure as his Cabinet ministers are forced to resign due to poor performance, sparking a crisis in the government.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has called for the resignation of his Cabinet ministers, citing their poor performance on key projects. The demand came after Petro spent five hours criticizing his team on live television.
Gustavo Petro was elected as the President of Colombia in 2022, marking a significant shift in the country's politics.
A former mayor of Bogotá and senator, Petro is the first leftist leader to hold the office.
He won the presidential election with a platform focused on social and economic reforms, including pension reform and tax increases for the wealthy.
Petro's presidency has sparked both hope and concern among Colombians, as he seeks to address long-standing issues such as inequality and corruption.
Petro accused several of his ministers of falling behind in delivering major projects, and stated that there would be changes in the cabinet to achieve greater compliance with the government’s program. As a result, three ministers and two senior officials have already submitted their resignations.
Who’s Stepping Down?
Labor Minister Gloria Ramirez was one of the first to announce her resignation on social media platform X. She stated that ‘politics must proceed without sectarianism and ambiguities.’ Environment Minister Susana Muhamad also announced her intention to step down, citing her objection to the appointment of Armando Benedetti, a close aide to Petro who is under investigation for corruption.
Several ministers have criticized the appointment of Laura Sarabia as foreign minister, who was accused of being involved in a corruption scandal. Despite this, Muhamad has stated that she will continue with her role as president of the United Nations COP16 on biodiversity, where she emerged as one of the most promising members of Petro’s government.
Background and Implications
The crisis in Colombia’s Cabinet comes at a time when the country is facing several challenges, including record-high temperatures and wildfires near Bogota. The situation has sparked debate about the leadership and direction of the government, with some questioning whether Petro’s team is capable of delivering on its promises.
The resignations are seen as a significant development, particularly given the potential implications for the government’s climate policy and international relations. As one of the most promising members of Petro’s government, Muhamad’s decision to step down has raised questions about her future role in politics.
