Second Colombia minister resigns

The Foreign Minister of Colombia, Claudia Blum, presented her irrevocable resignation when the government faces international condemnation for the violent repression of the protests that for two weeks have plagued President Iván Duque.

In a letter dated May 11, but released by her office on  May 13, Blum requested her removal from the cabinet without specifying the reasons.

“I am sure that (…) the country will continue on the path of sustainable development, in social and economic recovery from the effects of the pandemic, and in the consolidation of consensus that ratify the unity and strength of our nation “,  she wrote.

Blum left the position he had held since November 2019 at a sensitive time for the country’s foreign image. The United Nations, the United States, the European Union and international NGOs denounced serious excesses committed by the police in demonstrations and riots that leave at least 42 dead and more than 1,500 injured, according to official figures and the Ombudsman’s Office.

According to Colombian media, the minister planned to travel to Europe soon to share the government’s version of the crisis triggered by the anti-government demonstrations amid the acute economic deterioration brought about by the pandemic.

Duque thus loses his second minister amid the social upheaval. The first was the head of the Treasury, Alberto Carrasquilla, who left office harassed by criticism of his proposal to raise taxes on the middle class in the midst of a pandemic.

Despite the fact that Duque withdrew the legislative project, the violent repression of the protests by the public force fueled discontent.

Since then, the outbreaks of protest have multiplied, without a defined agenda or leadership, but deep down they demand a more equitable country and a more supportive State, and one that guarantees life and security.