Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro to Appoint Edwin Palma as Energy Minister

President Gustavo Petro will appoint Edwin Palma as Colombia’s new energy minister amid a cabinet reshuffle. This follows the resignation of several ministers, including the former energy minister, in response to disputes regarding new appointments. Palma will oversee the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources as global interest grows in Colombia’s offshore wind energy potential.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro is set to appoint Edwin Palma, a unionist and former vice-minister of labor, as the new energy minister amid a cabinet reshuffle. This decision follows a series of resignations prompted by disputes among high-ranking officials during a recent cabinet meeting. The reshuffle encompasses the replacement of nine prominent ministers, including the recent departures of the interior and environmental ministers, along with the former energy minister, Andres Camacho.

Edwin Palma, who previously led the oil union USO and served on the board of Ecopetrol, will be tasked with spearheading Colombia’s shift from fossil fuels such as oil and coal towards renewable energy sources, a critical initiative of President Petro’s administration that has encountered numerous challenges. In related developments, the National Hydrocarbons Agency announced that international companies have expressed interest in developing 69 offshore areas during Colombia’s inaugural offshore wind energy auction.

The cabinet reshuffle follows resignations, including former environment minister Susana Muhamad, triggered by Petro’s controversial appointments of Armando Benedetti and Laura Sarabia to key advisory and ministerial positions despite allegations against Benedetti regarding violence and influence peddling. President Petro reaffirmed his support for Benedetti, naming him the incoming interior minister after the latter’s brief suspension during an investigation into financial irregularities and alleged illegal phone monitoring.

In summary, President Gustavo Petro is appointing Edwin Palma as the new energy minister in a significant cabinet reshuffle that has resulted in multiple resignations. This move emphasizes a commitment to transitioning Colombia’s energy sector towards renewable sources. Amidst controversies surrounding new appointments, Petro continues to back key advisors, reinforcing his administration’s stance despite challenges ahead.

Original Source: www.straitstimes.com