Colombia Justice Minister Resigns After Criticizing President Petro's Peace Policy

Colombia's Justice Minister, Jorge Iván Cuervo, resigned on Monday following public criticism of President Gustavo Petro's signature "total peace" policy. Cuervo's departure comes just five months after taking office and only one month before Petro's administration concludes.

In a statement on his X account, Cuervo expressed gratitude to the president for the opportunity to serve, stating, "I leave happy to have been able to work for a more just and inclusive society." However, earlier in the day, during a commemoration of the Colombian Constitution's 35th anniversary at Externado University, Cuervo declared that granting political negotiation status to FARC dissidents was a "bad decision." He argued that this move violated the peace agreement and created significant problems, a stance seemingly echoed by a recent decision from the Council of State.

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I have presented my resignation from the Ministry of Justice and Law. To Mr. President, my gratitude for having allowed me to serve the country from the Ministry of Justice. I leave happy to have been able to work for a more just and inclusive society.

These remarks prompted the government to request Cuervo's resignation. His departure leaves the transition process for the Ministry of Justice incomplete. Cuervo had only met once with Iván Cancino, who is leading the justice transition for the incoming government and is considered a potential successor to the ministry. Their discussion reportedly covered negotiations and the submission of illegal armed groups, among other topics.

This is not the first instance of divergence between Cuervo and Petro's administration. Previously, Cuervo opposed the president's proposal for a National Constituent Assembly, arguing that his ministry should focus on technical work rather than political debate. The Ministry of Justice has seen significant turnover during Petro's four-year term, with Cuervo being the fourth minister appointed to the role, in addition to at least one interim minister.

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I believe it was not correct to give political negotiation status to the FARC dissidents. I believe the Council of State reaffirmed that in a decision last week because it violated the peace agreement... it was not a good decision. It generated many problems.