Colombian President Gustavo Petro has ordered several cabinet ministers to resign, including Labor Minister Gloria Ramirez and Environment Minister Susana Muhamad. The demands come after a five-hour television appearance where Petro criticized the underwhelming performance of his cabinet.
Petro claimed that some ministers were not meeting project deadlines, leading him to request their resignation to achieve “greater compliance with the program ordered by the people.” As of Sunday night, three ministers and two senior officials had submitted their resignations.
Ramirez cited sectarianism as the reason for her departure. Environment Minister Muhamad stepped down after objecting to the appointment of Armando Benedetti, who is being investigated for election financing and domestic violence allegations against his ex-wife.
Benedetti’s appointment has also faced criticism from other ministers, with some accusing the new foreign minister, Laura Sarabia, of involvement in a corruption scandal. Despite the controversy, Muhamad will continue her role as president of the United Nations COP16 on biodiversity.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/colombias-petro-calls-for-cabinet-ministers-to-resign/a-71558448