Colombian President Gustavo Petro has requested his cabinet members to resign ahead of a government reshuffle, he announced on social media Sunday. The move follows the resignation of Environment Minister Susana Muhamad, who opposed the appointment of Armando Benedetti.
Petro stated that the reshuffle aims to enhance compliance with his administration’s mandate but did not provide specifics on the upcoming changes.
Muhamad, a key figure in Colombia’s environmental policies, confirmed her resignation, citing strong opposition to Benedetti due to allegations against him, including violence against women and influence peddling. She expressed concerns about his role in the government and discussed them in a recent ministerial meeting. Despite stepping down, she will continue serving as president of the United Nations COP16 on biodiversity, a critical summit that gathered 200 nations last year.
Benedetti, a controversial figure, has denied the accusations, calling them false narratives. His appointment has sparked internal tensions within the administration.
Petro’s latest cabinet shake-up marks another major transition in his presidency, reflecting internal divisions and political challenges. The reshuffle could impact the administration’s ability to implement key policies, particularly in environmental and governance reforms.
With the political landscape shifting, Petro faces growing scrutiny over his cabinet choices, which may influence his ability to maintain public trust and policy momentum.
This latest development signals potential instability within the government, with observers closely monitoring the reshuffle’s impact on Petro’s leadership and Colombia’s political direction.