Colombia: Alejandro Ordóñez replaces Rodrigo Lara as Interior Minister

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has appointed Alejandro Ordóñez Maldonado as the new Minister of the Interior, replacing Rodrigo Lara Restrepo. The leadership change follows the failure of the 2027 national budget to pass through Congress due to procedural errors, forcing the government to approve the budget via decree.

Rodrigo Lara, who served in the role for 76 days, submitted his resignation after a meeting at the Palacio de Nariño. In his resignation letter, Lara distanced himself from the budget controversy, stating that the Ministry of the Interior is not responsible for the compilation or comparison of legislative texts. President De la Espriella acknowledged that while there were differences in judgment during their tenure, he recognized Lara as a “patriota ejemplar” (exemplary patriot).

Alejandro Ordóñez, the former Attorney General and current Ambassador to the OAS, takes over a ministry facing significant challenges in consolidating a legislative coalition. His appointment has drawn scrutiny from lawmakers due to his conservative social views and previous political history. Until Ordóñez is formally sworn in, Justice Minister Iván Cancino will serve as the acting minister.