Through a letter, Ricardo Bonilla, officially presented his resignation as Minister of Finance. The now former government official Petro, who held the position since May 2023, announced his departure amid the corruption scandal of the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD), in which mention has been made of his alleged stake.
(Read more: Ricardo Bonilla accepted Petro’s request and resigned from the Ministry of Finance)
With Bonilla’s retirement, Some options for its replacement have already begun to be considered. The issue becomes even more relevant if we consider the economic projects that the Government has been promoting, especially the financing law.
In this context, the president of the Colombian American Chamber (AmCham Colombia), María Claudia Lacouture, pointed out that it is “imperative” that the successor of the former minister be a figure with experience and credibilitycapable of maintaining the confidence of the markets and guaranteeing the country’s fiscal sustainability.
“You must combine solid technical knowledge and a strategic vision to manage an economy with high fiscal fragility, a demanding budget and the need for coherence in public policies”indicated the union leader.
Lacouture also highlighted that “Only with prudent leadership committed to sustainable development will it be possible to face current challenges without compromising Colombia’s economic future.”
(Read more: The message with which Petro asked Ricardo Bonilla to resign as Minhacienda)
The names that are being considered
Among the names that have begun to be heard to assume the responsibility of managing the country’s public finances and being in charge of the Treasury portfolio, Mention has been made of the current Vice Minister of Finance, Diego Guevara.
Guevara has a doctorate in economics, a master’s degree in economic sciences and an engineer from the National University of Colombia. His career also includes having been a consultant for the French Agency for Development and an associate professor and researcher at different higher education institutions in the country.
In that ‘rattle‘The name of the Minister of Commerce, Luis Carlos Reyes, is also included. The official is best known for having served as director of the National Tax and Customs Directorate (Dian).
The Vice Minister of Finance, Diego Guevara. Luis Carlos Reyes, Minister of Commerce.
Private file
Another of those chosen is the general director of Public Credit and the National Treasury, José Roberto Acostawho, in addition to this position, has stood out for his work as a stock broker, trial lawyer and undergraduate professor.
To that list is added Luis Fernando Medinacurrent Colombian ambassador to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Medina is an economist and philosopher, and has worked as a professor at various universities in Colombia and Mexico.
(See: Andi, Anif and Fedesarrollo ask to review productivity data provided by Dane)
PORTFOLIO
