Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro will appoint Edwin Palma as the new energy minister amid a significant cabinet reshuffle after numerous resignations. Palma will focus on transitioning away from hydrocarbons to renewable energy, a key policy for Petro. Tensions arise from controversial ministerial appointments, notably that of Armando Benedetti, which have led to several officials resigning in protest.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro is set to appoint Edwin Palma, a unionist and former deputy labor minister, as the new energy minister amid a cabinet reshuffle, according to an insider from Petro’s office. This restructuring follows a demand from Petro for all ministers to resign, largely due to tensions surrounding recent appointments made during a televised cabinet meeting. In total, Petro has replaced nine significant ministers, including those in the interior and environmental sectors, along with the former energy minister, Andres Camacho.
Edwin Palma, who has previously led the major oil union USO and served on the board of the state-run energy company Ecopetrol, will spearhead Colombia’s efforts to transition from hydrocarbons towards renewable energy—a key goal of President Petro that has encountered various challenges. Concurrently, the National Hydrocarbons Agency has revealed proposals from international companies for the development of 69 offshore sites under Colombia’s first offshore wind energy auction.
The recent resignations also included that of former environment minister Susana Muhamad, driven by discontent over Petro’s controversial appointments of Armando Benedetti—a new advisor facing serious allegations amenable to Petro’s continued support—and Laura Sarabia as foreign minister. Benedetti previously served as Petro’s ambassador to Venezuela and was briefly out of the government in 2023 amid allegations related to missing funds and unauthorized surveillance activities.
Petro’s steadfast commitment to his appointments has sowed discord within his cabinet, signified by the resignations of multiple ministers appalled by his endorsement of Benedetti. The administration confronts the dual challenge of advancing its renewable energy agenda while navigating internal strife regarding its leadership selections and their associated controversies.
In conclusion, President Gustavo Petro is poised to announce Edwin Palma as Colombia’s new energy minister as part of a significant cabinet reshuffle, which follows mass resignations spurred by contentious appointments. Palma’s focus will be on advancing Colombia’s renewable energy initiatives, even amidst internal conflicts fueled by Petro’s recent decisions. This reshuffle reflects ongoing tensions and challenges in implementing Petro’s energy transition goals.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
