Peter’s social reforms cause a government crisis

Ambitious social reforms of the President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, which include health and pensions, triggered the first crisis in his cabinet, from which the Minister of Education Alejandro Gaviria, critical of the proposed changes in health, was dismissed, along with the head of culture Patricia Ariza; and sports, María Isabel Urrutia.

“I appreciate the services provided by Ministers Alejandro Gaviria, María Isabel Urrutia and Patricia Ariza. With their contributions, they contributed to enriching the discussion and initiating the changes that the country voted for,” Petro said without explaining the reason for his decision.

The president announced that Aurora Vergara, a sociologist who was the deputy minister of higher education, would be the new head of that portfolio and appointed Astrid Rodríguez as head of sports “so that we can complete the reform process that has begun with new energy.” Petro, on the other hand, did not say who will replace Ariza in Culture, although the Presidency hinted that it will be the musician Ignacio Zorro for the time being.

The trigger of this crisis was the health reform, whose fierce critic is Alejandro Gaviria, who was the minister for this area for seven years under President Juan Manuel Santos (2010-2018). Namely, the former head of education stated in a letter signed by him and other members of the cabinet that he does not agree with many of the changes planned in the health reform of the Minister of Health, Caroline Corcho. «This government of change will not give up on reforms to improve health, pensions and working conditions fair for all Colombians and Colombians,” agreed Petro on Tuesday.