Colombian Finance Minister Resigns Following Corruption Allegations

President Gustavo Petro defends Ricardo Bonilla's integrity but accepts his resignation as investigations into alleged bribery and misuse of disaster relief funds continue.

• Finance Minister Ricardo Bonilla resigned after being implicated in an investigation involving alleged misuse of funds from Colombia's disaster relief agency and bribery of congress members.
• Bonilla denies any wrongdoing, asserting his innocence and commitment to proving his case through legal means.
• President Petro described Bonilla as a loyal and capable economist but stated his resignation was necessary due to political pressures and attempts to undermine the government.
• The scandal involves $10.5 million in contracts for defective water tankers and alleged influence peddling linked to high-ranking officials, including Bonilla and former disaster management leaders.
• This marks the second finance minister resignation during Petro's administration, which has faced scrutiny over corruption allegations and legislative challenges since 2022.

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Al Jazeera Associated Press