Colombian Finance Minister, Ricardo Bonilla, has stepped down following accusations that he ignored bribery of parliamentarians. The allegations surfaced after a former adviser claimed Bonilla knew lawmakers were being paid to support key reforms promised by President Gustavo Petro.
The attorney general’s office alleges that $200,000 from public funds was used to bribe the lawmakers. Despite maintaining his innocence, Bonilla’s resignation was requested by President Petro, who stated that the decision was made to protect Bonilla from being “destroyed” due to his loyalty to the president.
President Petro has appointed Diego Guevara, Bonilla’s deputy, as his replacement. This development comes amid a sweeping corruption scandal that has implicated top government officials and MPs from both the ruling party and opposition.
Bonilla’s resignation marks a significant blow to President Petro’s administration, which has been working to implement ambitious social reforms since taking office in 2022. The scandal has sparked widespread criticism and calls for greater transparency and accountability within the government.
