Colombian Finance Minister Ricardo Bonilla Resigns Amid Bribery Allegations
Colombia’s Finance Minister, Ricardo Bonilla, has resigned amid allegations of his involvement in a bribery scandal, following pressure from President Gustavo Petro. Bonilla’s resignation comes after accusations from a former adviser, who claimed that the minister was aware of lawmakers being bribed in exchange for supporting key reforms championed by Petro.
The attorney general’s office has launched an investigation, alleging that $200,000 in public funds were used to pay the bribes. Bonilla, however, has denied the accusations and maintains his innocence.
In a press conference on Wednesday, President Petro announced that Bonilla would be replaced by his deputy, Diego Guevara. Petro clarified that he had requested Bonilla’s resignation not due to any belief in his guilt but to protect the minister from further harm, stating that Bonilla’s loyalty to him was being used against him in a bid to destroy his reputation.
The scandal has expanded, with numerous high-ranking government officials and lawmakers, both from Petro’s ruling party and the opposition, being implicated in the bribery scheme. In July, Colombia’s intelligence chief, a close ally of Petro, resigned after being accused of orchestrating bribery to expedite the passage of legislation.
Since taking office in 2022, President Petro has faced the challenge of advancing an ambitious agenda of social reforms while managing growing corruption scandals within his administration.
