Ricardo Salinas Vega resigns as regional defender of Magdalena

Ricardo Alonso Salinas Vega announced his resignation as the regional defender of the Magdalena department, ending a 1½‑year tenure that began on 16 January 2025 after his appointment by Defensoría del Pueblo head Iris Marín Ortiz. In his statement he thanked the institution and reaffirmed his commitment to defending the rights of local communities, while indicating he will continue to work on their welfare from other platforms.

Salinas, a lawyer with specialisations in administrative and environmental law, previously served as the delegated controller of the Magdalena Comptroller’s Office and as an adviser to the department’s governor. He did not rule out future political ambitions, saying he does not currently plan a candidacy but keeps the possibility open. The Defensoría of the People must now appoint a successor to oversee human‑rights monitoring and support for vulnerable populations in the region.