Jaime Andrés Beltrán faces Senate censure motion over earthquake response

Colombian Minister of Housing Jaime Andrés Beltrán faced a motion of censure in the Senate following criticism regarding a trip to Santa Marta shortly after a major earthquake hit the country. Opposition lawmakers from the Pacto Histórico and Alianza Verde accused Beltrán of abandoning his responsibilities during the emergency response and reconstruction efforts.

During the debate, Beltrán defended his actions, stating he remained working and in contact with his team while in Santa Marta. He acknowledged the timing of the trip was inopportunist and offered apologies, but rejected accusations targeting his family. He also noted that his ministry has requested a budget increase of $11 trillion from the Ministry of Finance to address reconstruction needs.

Despite the opposition's arguments, many parliamentary blocs supported the minister, suggesting the incident did not constitute an abandonment of duties. Senate President Honorio Henríquez has scheduled the official vote on the motion for Tuesday, September 15.