Petro prompts Colombian government chaos with demand for resignations
Al JazeeraFEB 2
Colombia's Defense Minister Resigns Amid Cabinet Crisis
Above: Colombia's Defense Minister Iván Velazquez speaks during a press conference after his visit to the Catatumbo region in Cucuta, Norte de Santander Department, on Jan. 24, 2025. Image copyright: Schneyder Mendoza/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
As if violence in northeastern Colombia and a diplomatic crisis with Trump were not enough trouble, Petro is facing an internal cabinet rebellion and has lost credibility among citizens. His supporters may claim that he has exposed officials who were working for their own benefit, but Petro now risks being unable to govern.
Narrative B
It's only natural that ministers are quitting the government after Petro called them to submit formal resignations — and this is actually good for Colombia. Petro has only 18 months left in his presidential term and much work to do to fulfill the program people voted for, so those in charge must be committed to the government's agenda.