Colombian President Gustavo Petro has asked all of his cabinet members to resign from their positions. He has not publicly announced this request, but on Tuesday he mentioned that the government needs to be rethought. Two ministers have confirmed that Petro wants to replace his entire cabinet as the government has been struggling to get legislation approved by Congress.
Petro was the country’s first leftist president and promised to bring in significant reforms during his campaign. However, after nine months in power, he has been unable to make changes to labor laws, healthcare, pensions, and the judiciary. The Liberal and Conservative parties, along with the Social Party of National Unity, have distanced themselves from the government and objected to some of Petro’s reform plans.
Petro has called for an emergency government since Congress has been incapable of approving simple peaceful articles on equitable land redistribution. Two months ago, he urged his followers to take to the streets to pressure for congressional approval of the reforms. On February 28, Petro replaced three members of his cabinet, including centrist education minister Alejandro Gaviria.
The president has not backed down and continues to push for changes. He wants a complete overhaul of the government and for new members to take on the challenge. The story has been published from a syndicated news agency feed.
