Un fonctionnaire proche de Petro a présenté sa lettre de démission avec un message fort: Corrupts au sein du gouvernement

A senior official close to President Gustavo Petro has submitted his resignation letter with a pointed message: “Corruptos en el Gobierno” (“Corrupt officials in the government”). This follows a wave of resignations among members of the outgoing Petro administration, including Andrés Idárraga, the secretary of Transparency at the Casa de Nariño, who had already announced his departure. In a post on his personal X account, Idárraga stated he carried out his duties “despite the corrupt figures within the government and beyond.” Idárraga’s resignation letter began with a formal address to President Petro, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve alongside him throughout the entire term. He noted that he would leave office on August 6th as one of the few officials who remained loyal to the president throughout his tenure. His statement emphasized his commitment to transparency and the fight against corruption, even amid challenges posed by alleged wrongdoing within the administration. “I am leaving with a critical and self-critical view of how government functions,” Idárraga wrote. “With a deeper understanding of the structure of the state and the exercise of power. I am also leaving with satisfaction over having fulfilled my duty.” He further highlighted that the anti-corruption mandate was executed thoroughly, despite risks to himself and his family. “I did so despite the corrupt individuals both inside and outside the government,” he added. Idárraga concluded by stating that public policy on anti-corruption has improved significantly compared to four years ago, and that citizen trust in state institutions has grown due to the work of the Transparency Office team. He reiterated that the anti-corruption mandate remains active, supported by civil society, and that Bogotá will not evade its enforcement. Separately, Gabriel Vallejo, director of the Center for Democracy, has commented on the situation, suggesting the presence of a potential “petrouribismo”, a political alignment or influence reminiscent of former President Álvaro Uribe. While this remark does not directly relate to Idárraga’s resignation, it reflects broader political tensions surrounding the current administration. Meanwhile, diplomats have confirmed to Semana that they received a direct email from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informing them that they must submit their resignations by July 23rd. This deadline adds urgency to the ongoing exodus of officials from the Petro government, which has been marked by internal conflicts and allegations of corruption. The resignations come amid other developments, such as President Petro’s frustration with a union affiliated with the Universidad Nacional de Colombia (UNP). Petro reportedly expressed anger over a message sent to Abelardo De La Espriella, a member of the opposition, demanding immediate legal action. These incidents underscore the volatile political climate in which the administration operates. As the deadline for resignations approaches, the implications for the remaining officials and the stability of the government remain unclear. The continued flow of departures suggests deepening divisions within the administration, while the focus on anti-corruption efforts continues to shape the narrative around the final months of the Petro presidency.