Resignation of Mindeporte surprises the senator who promoted a motion of censure against him

Two weeks after Colombia definitively lost the venue of the 2027 Pan American Games, which had been assigned to Barranquilla, the first consequence appeared and a head rolled.

This Thursday, the Minister of Deprote, Astrid Bibiana Rodríguez, presented the letter of resignation to President Gustavo Petro. In the two-page letter, not a single mention was made of what happened with the Pan American Games.

Rodríguez defended his management: “Committed to the country's athletes, considered ambassadors of peace to the world, the federations' budget was strengthened, allowing them to continue with the high-achieving sports development in the country. In addition, the approach with the Colombian Olympic Committee allowed us to work together to propose strategies that strengthen Colombian sports,” he said in his letter.

And the motion of censure against the minister?

The international bear that Colombia went through after losing the Pan American Games, due to not having met the deadlines to pay 8 million dollars to Pan Sports, caused a debate on a motion of censure against the Minister of Sports to be promoted in the Senate.

David Luna, senator from Cambio Radical, had assured that he already had 32 signatures to move it forward. But now, with Rodríguez's resignation, the issue remains in limbo. The debate had not yet been scheduled.

Luna reacted with a video in which he seemed surprised by the minister's decision, less than 24 hours before the Congress sessions resume.

“The Minister of Sports was knocked down by the 32 senators who signed the motion of censure. That she has left office less than 24 hours before the return to Congress sessions is no coincidence. Colombia and Barranquilla respect each other! We will maintain the debate to demonstrate the truth,” Luna said.

For now, the decision of President Gustavo Petro is awaited to see who takes over that portfolio. Whoever comes will be the third minister of his administration, which began with María Isabel Urrutia, who also left amid serious questions. There would already be a list of possible candidates.