Colombia's Finance Minister Ricardo Bonilla has resigned following a sweeping corruption scandal that has rocked the nation's government.
The resignation, which took place on Thursday, December 5 was at the behest of President Gustavo Petro, who stated, "I asked for Bonilla’s resignation not because I believe he is guilty, but because they want to destroy him for his loyalty."
The controversy centers around allegations that Bonilla turned a blind eye to bribery involving parliamentarians.
A former advisor accused him of being aware that lawmakers were receiving payments in exchange for supporting key reforms promised by President Petro.
The attorney general's office has alleged that these bribes amounted to $200,000, sourced from public funds.
This scandal is part of a broader corruption investigation that has implicated numerous high-ranking officials and members of parliament from both the ruling party and the opposition.
Earlier in July, the intelligence chief, a close ally of President Petro, also resigned after being accused of orchestrating bribes to expedite legislative processes.
Despite maintaining his innocence, Bonilla's resignation underscores the challenges facing President Petro's administration, which came to power in 2022 with an ambitious agenda of social reforms.
The president has announced that Bonilla will be replaced by his deputy, Diego Guevara.
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