Mon Feb 10 09:57:17 UTC 2025: ## Colombian President Petro Demands Entire Cabinet Resignation Amidst Growing Crisis
**Bogota, Colombia** – Colombian President Gustavo Petro plunged his government into chaos on Sunday, demanding the resignation of his entire cabinet. The dramatic move follows weeks of escalating tension within the administration, sparked by controversial appointments and a highly publicized televised rebuke of his ministers.
President Petro announced his decision on social media, stating that cabinet changes were necessary to better implement the government’s program. This announcement followed a five-hour televised dressing-down last week where he publicly criticized several ministers for lagging on key projects.
The resignations began swiftly. Labor Minister Gloria Ramirez was the first to step down, citing the need for “politics without sectarianism and without ambiguities.” Environment Minister Susana Muhamad also resigned, specifically protesting the appointment of Armando Benedetti to the cabinet. Benedetti, a close Petro aide, faces allegations of violence against women and influence peddling. Culture Minister Juan David Correa and Jorge Rojas, head of the state agency DAPRE, also submitted their resignations.
The crisis was further fueled by the controversial appointment of Laura Sarabia, Petro’s former chief of staff embroiled in a corruption investigation and an alleged illegal wiretapping case, as the new foreign minister. This appointment, made amidst a diplomatic standoff with the US over migrant deportations, drew widespread criticism within the cabinet. Several ministers openly expressed their disapproval.
The president’s actions have left Colombia’s government in a state of flux, with the full extent of the cabinet reshuffle yet to be determined. The situation highlights the deep divisions and challenges facing President Petro’s administration.
First Piper 