Colombia's finance minister, Ricardo Bonilla, has resigned amid a corruption scandal that threatens to derail the leftist government's reform agenda.
The resignation, which took place on Thursday, December 5, comes as Bonilla faces allegations of misusing funds from the country's disaster risk agency.
Despite denying any wrongdoing, Bonilla stated in his resignation letter, "I have always said that I respect the work of the attorney-general’s office and that I would not use my position in the cabinet to defend myself."
The scandal has cast a shadow over President Gustavo Petro's administration, which is already grappling with political turbulence.
Earlier this year, in July, the country's intelligence chief, a close ally of President Petro, also resigned following accusations of bribery involving parliamentary leaders.
Bonilla's departure is seen as a blow to the government's efforts to implement its reform agenda. President Petro announced that Diego Guevara, Bonilla's deputy and a former university professor, will take over the finance ministry.
In a post on X, Petro expressed his views on the situation, saying, "I expect his resignation, not because I think he is guilty, but because they want to tear him apart for being loyal to the government programme."
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