The arguments of Duque’s former bishops to defend Carrasquilla

On November 24, the Fifth Section of the Council of State annulled the appointment of Alberto Carrasquilla Barrera as a full-time member of the Board of Directors of Banco de la República.

According to the statement issued, the Chamber found that such appointment ignored “Article 4 of Law 581 of 2000, which establishes the adequate participation of women in the highest decision-making levels at a minimum of 30% (gender quota), in addition to other postulates of conventional and constitutional rank that protect the right to equality“.

(Keep reading: President Petro, to name Carrasquilla’s replacement).

Along with this, the entity considered that the 30% gender quota it was fulfilled with two women, for which, to provide for the absolute lack caused by the resignation of Carolina Soto, a woman should have been appointed.

Given the decision, important officials have come out to defend the appointment of Carrasquilla and regret his dismissal. Among them, several Former members of the cabinet of former President Iván Duquewho issued a statement on the matter.

“We deeply regret the decision of the Council of State, which ignores the autonomy and independence of the Banco de la República“, they expose in principle. Likewise, they clarify that it is surprising that Law 581 of 2000, in its article 4, where the participation of women is established at these decisive levels “has not been subject to application since the year 2000.”

They also ensure that the legal regime of the Banco de la República establishes that aspects such as the forced retirement age cannot be applicable to its members as expression of the protection of said autonomy.

(See: What follows after Carrasquilla’s departure from the Bank of the Republic?).

“Regarding compliance with the quota law, in ruling C-371 of 2000, the Constitutional Court considered that certain jobs at decision-making levels are hardly compatible with a quota system“, they express in the letter.

The signatories show their support for Carrasquilla and assure that “he has demonstrated his suitability above any political orientation.” They also state that although respect the decisions of justicethere is a “great disappointment” about the ruling at a time when the country “needs responsible monetary and fiscal management.”

Among the signatories of the letter is Alejandra Botero, former director of the DPN, Alicia Arango, former Minister of the Interior, Andrés Valencia, former Minister of Agriculture, Angela Orozco, former Minister of Transportation, Carlos Correa, former Minister of the Environment, Diego Mesa, former Minister of Mines, Diego Molano, former Minister of Defense , and Fernando Ruíz, former Minister of Health.

Also Germán Quintero, former Legal Secretary, Guillermo Botero, former Defense Minister, José Manuel Restrepo, former Finance Minister, Juan Alberto Londoño, former Finance Minister, Juan Francisco Espinosa, former Justice Vice Minister, María Victoria Angulo, former Education Minister, Lina Arbeláez, former Director of the ICBF.

(Keep reading: Banrep manager regrets Carrasquilla’s withdrawal from the board of directors).

Likewise, Luis Alberto Rodríguez, former director of the DNP, María Paula Correa, former chief of Duque’s Cabinet, Rodolfo Zea, former Minister of Agriculture, Soraya Yanine, former Minister of Information and Press, Susana Correa, former Minister of Housing, Ximena Lombana, former Minister of Commerce, Tito José Crissien, former Minister of Science and Victor Muñóz, former director of DAPRE.

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