Susana Muhamad has no doubts: Benedetti’s presence in the Petro government is a risk

The Minister of Environment acting, Susana Muhamadaffirms that the presence of the controversial ex -ambassador Armando Benedetti In a senior government position, as head of the presidential office, it does not give confidence and its permanence in the cabinet It constitutes a risk that led her to make the decision to resign.

Muhamad, one of the Government’s star ministers, who announced his resignation on Sunday, recognizes in an interview with Efe that the position of Benedetti, a politician who has corruption processes but is still defended by President Gustavo Petro, Cause “internal tensions” which can cause risks to Colombian institutionality.

“The arrival of Armando Benedetti as head of the president’s office It is a process of political empowerment that generates many risks both for the defense of the public and the integrity of the government in my perspective, but also as political representation Faced with gender violence, “he says about the veteran politician, who was fundamental for Petro’s triumph in the 2022 presidential elections.

The Minister considers that “Colombian institutionality is quite resilient“, but believes that in the current situation” institutional exercise can have risks. “

It is not the first time that Benedetti is in the Petro government because he was already an ambassador to Venezuela, before FAO in Rome and more recently presidential advisor, but his appointment a week ago as head of dispatch It was the drop that overflowed the cup and caused the criticisms of several members of the cabinet during a Council of Ministers that the country witnessed live as it was broadcast on television.

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“It is the arrival (from Benedetti) to the center of the president’s office, where the most important information of the government is handled, where is in the heart of political representation of the president; It has a seat in the Council of Ministers where delicate decisions are made and where I personally I have no confidence that the agenda that is handled is that of the government and I do not have confidence in transparency, “he says.

In that sense, the minister, whose resignation will be effective on March 3, adds that Benedetti is “a person who is currently facing a trial in the Supreme Court of Justice for influences“

Mysterious relationship with Petro

The reasons why Petro insists on keeping Benedetti in the government, although he already abandoned the two embassies in which he appointed him, they cause suspicions in Colombia, but Muhamad considers that everything “has to do with try to guarantee broader alliances Both for the Government and in Congress “as the official has a 20 -year legislative experience.

“I think that is one of the factors and also, as the president said, constitute a wide front That has the ability to stop an extreme right upload. I think those are the political reasons and it seems to me that That is valid And legitimate and it is the president who makes those decisions, “he adds.

Muhamad, like the Vice President and Minister of Equality, France Márquez, also questioned in the Council of Ministers the appointment as Chancellor of Laura Sarabiaa very influential person in the government and considered Petro’s right but without experience for that position and even more at a time when there are tensions in the relationship with the United States.

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“I simply left it there and I still believe that it is not the most convenient, especially In such a critical geopolitical momentwith so many threats. But again it is the president who makes those decisions and hopefully they are correct, “he says.

Despite his critical position, Muhamad is committed to the Petro Progressive Project and willing to return to the government although only “If circumstances substantially change of what made us put the resignation. “

Muhamad is mentioned as a possible candidate for some position of Popular election In next year’s elections, to which she recognizes that it is a decision that was “soak.”

“That was on the agenda, I was arguing with President Petro, in what quality, at what timewhat were the rules of the electoral game, how the historical pact (Government Party) was going to work, “he says, and adds that, however, she was more inclined to stay in the government and to take out her agenda” because I know it is fundamental That if the government goes ahead, the elections too. “