He said he will assume the position in strict compliance with the Constitution and the law.
News Colombia.
President Gustavo Petro continues to make adjustments in his government team. As part of this restructuring, he formalized the possession of new ministers in different portfolios.
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It should be remembered that on February 4, 2025, during a Council of Ministers transmitted on television and social networks of the Presidency, Petro requested the protocol resignation of all ministers and directors of administrative departments.
As a result of these changes, Antonio Sanguino was appointed Minister of Labor, while María Fernanda Rojas assumed the transport portfolio.
On Wednesday, February 19, President Petro announced another key appointment in his administration: General Pedro Sánchez was appointed as the new Minister of Defense, replacing Iván Velásquez, who presented his resignation the previous week.
#Lasthora 🚨 | The President @Petrogustavo He announces that the new Minister of Defense will be General Pedro Sánchez, who led the rescue operation of the 4 children who were lost in the Guaviare jungle. pic.twitter.com/b6wrkjejo9
– National Radio CO (@radnalco) Februry 19, 2025
Major General Pedro Sánchez, belonging to the Colombian Aerospace Force, currently serves as the Head of Security of the Presidency. However, before assuming his new position, he presented his resignation as an active military against President Gustavo Petro during Thursday.
«Today is my last day as an active general of the Republic. I just set the request to withdraw active duty to the President. I do it after 35 years of carrying with honor the uniform of a soldier, risking life as our heroes have done, who at this time see us from heaven, ”said Sánchez.
Your possession could take several months
The general indicated that his possession could take days and even months due to the required administrative procedures.
«As of today a fiscal novelty occurs and I will be high for a few days or up to three months, while the legal and administrative procedures are completed. Once this process is over, I can assume as Minister of Defense in compliance with the Constitution and the Law, ”said Sánchez.
#News | The new Minister of Defense, General Pedro Sánchez, formalizes his resignation at his position as an active military of the FAC. He will assume his position as a civilian. pic.twitter.com/nanfzx3qcl
– FM (@lafm) Februry 20, 2025
Who is Pedro Sánchez?
General Pedro Sánchez is recognized for his role in the ‘Operation Esperanza’ and for his extensive career in the Colombian aerospace force, where he has accumulated more than 6,800 flight hours in rotary wing aircraft.
During his career, he has held various strategic positions, including commander of the Joint Special Operations Command of Military Forces, Comandante of the Combat Air Command No.4, among others. In addition, Sanchez has a solid training, standing out for his postgraduate studies. It has masters in National Security and Defense of the Higher School of War, Strategic and Prospective Thought of the Externado University of Colombia, and strategic studies at the Air University of the United States Air Force (USAF).
