A former guerrilla member turned president puts his entire government on notice in an unprecedented move that shocked Colombia's political establishment.

According to Breitbart News, Colombia's far-left President Gustavo Petro requested the resignation of his entire cabinet and administrative directors following a controversial six-hour televised meeting where he acknowledged his administration's failure to fulfill most campaign promises.

The dramatic announcement surfaced on social media, catching many ministers off guard as they learned about their required resignations via Twitter.

During the televised meeting, which Petro claimed was influenced by the practices of communist Cuba, he made controversial statements regarding cocaine legalization and publicly criticized his cabinet's performance.

Televised meeting exposes deep government fractures

Interior Minister Juan Fernando Cristo declared the situation "unsustainable" and submitted his irrevocable resignation on Monday morning. The unprecedented public airing of grievances revealed significant internal conflicts within Petro's administration, particularly concerning recent controversial appointments.

Environment Minister Susana Muhamad's resignation followed, specifically citing her opposition to Armando Benedetti's appointment as chief of staff. Benedetti's appointment has become a major point of contention due to his involvement in various scandals, including corruption allegations and substance abuse issues.

Several other ministers, including Culture Minister Juan David Correa and Labor Minister Gloria Inés Ramírez, have already departed from their positions. The mass exodus represents a significant crisis for Petro's government, which has approximately 18 months remaining in office.

Presidential leadership faces mounting criticism

During the televised meeting, Petro attempted to distance himself from his administration's failures. His statement about being a revolutionary while his government was not drew significant criticism from local politicians who described the meeting as a "sad spectacle of civilization."

The appointment of Laura Sarabia as Foreign Minister has also generated controversy, particularly given her previous involvement in the "nannygate" scandal. Vice President Francia Márquez publicly expressed her concerns about both Sarabia and Benedetti during the televised meeting.

Multiple ministry heads, including Education Minister Daniel Rojas Medellín and Justice Minister Ángela María Buitrago, have submitted their resignations. The situation continues to evolve as more officials respond to Petro's demand.

International implications emerge amid domestic turmoil

Despite the ongoing crisis, Petro departed Colombia for a Middle Eastern tour, including attendance at the World Government Summit 2025 in Dubai. His decision to travel during this critical period has raised eyebrows among political observers and citizens alike.

The president's controversial statements about cocaine legalization during the televised meeting have potential international ramifications. His suggestion about selling cocaine "like wine" adds another layer of complexity to Colombia's relationship with global partners.

Foreign Minister Sarabia and Chief of Staff Benedetti are accompanying Petro on his week-long Middle Eastern tour, despite being at the center of recent controversies.

Ministerial stability shows concerning pattern

Looking back at recent months, this is not the first instance of significant turnover in Petro's cabinet. Between February 2023 and July 2024, fifteen different ministers resigned from their positions, indicating a pattern of instability within the administration.

Prior to this mass resignation request, several key officials had already departed, including former Foreign Minister Luis Murillo and Technology Minister Mauricio Lizcano in January. The frequent changes in leadership positions have raised concerns about the government's ability to implement consistent policies.

Local media reports suggest that Vice President Márquez may resign from her position as Equality Minister while retaining her constitutionally elected role as vice president.

Moving forward amid political uncertainty

This unprecedented cabinet crisis has created a significant challenge for Colombia's first leftist president. The tension between Petro's revolutionary aspirations and his government's practical limitations has become increasingly apparent.

With multiple resignations already confirmed and more expected, Petro faces the task of reconstructing his government while maintaining political stability. The president's ability to navigate this crisis while addressing the concerns that led to it will likely define the remainder of his term.