This handout picture released by the Colombian Presidency shows Colombia’s Minister of Finance Ricardo Bonilla looking on next to Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro (out of frame) during a meeting at Nariño Palace in Bogota on July 8, 2024. – Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro called on December 4, 2024, for the resignation of his finance minister, Ricardo Bonilla, associated with the investigation of the biggest corruption scandal in his government. (Photo by Joel GONZALEZ / Colombian Presidency / AFP) /

Crime Watch

Colombia Finance Minister Ricardo Bonilla Steps Down Amid Corruption Probe

Asaba Metro

Published on December 5, 2024

Colombian Finance Minister Ricardo Bonilla, has resigned amid allegations that he ignored bribery of parliamentarians.

Bonilla’s Wednesday resignation followed accusations from a former advisor who claimed that lawmakers were being paid off in return for backing key reforms promised by President Gustavo Petro.

The attorney general’s office alleges the bribes were paid with $200,000 taken from public funds.

However, President Petro told reporters at a press conference, that he had asked for Bonilla’s resignation “not because I believe he is guilty, but because they want to destroy him for his loyalty” to the president.

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Petro added that Bonilla would be replaced by his deputy, Diego Guevara.

A sweeping corruption scandal has engulfed numerous top government officials, as well as MPs from both the ruling party and the opposition.

Petro came to power in 2022 with an ambitious agenda of social reforms.

AFP

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