Colombian president asks cabinet to resign ahead of reshuffle

BOGOTA: Colombia's President Gustavo Petro has asked his cabinet ministers to resign, two sources told Reuters late on Tuesday, as the leftist president faces delays and opposition to his agenda, in particular a health reform.

Several ministries and Petro's communications team did not immediately respond to requests for comment on prospects for a reshuffle.

Petro's health reform faced resistance in Congress and even from some of his political allies.

"I think the government should declare itself in an emergency," Petro said at an event earlier on Tuesday evening. "That means government teams are working day and night" to lower food prices, give land to poor farmers and bring peace to the country.

He did not comment on any possible reshuffle.

Several Petro's ministers, including Minister of Mines and Energy Irene Velez, have faced harsh criticism over various issues since Petro took office nearly nine months ago on promises to make sweeping social and economic reforms.

Petro has largely backed his ministers, including Velez, though disagreement over the health reform proposal already leads to the exit of the education minister, Alejandro Gaviria.

Interior minister Alfonso Prada could be taken over as defense minister, said one government source who declined to be identified. Others, including Velez, could hold on to their posts, the source said.