Minister Ricardo Bonilla to Assume Presidential Functions During Gustavo Petro’s Absence
In an unprecedented move, Ricardo Bonilla, the Minister of Finance, will be taking on the presidential duties in Colombia during President Gustavo Petro’s absence. This decision was made as President Petro embarks on a trip to Stockholm, Sweden, and Zurich, Switzerland, to attend the Peace Summit on Ukraine.
President Petro’s upcoming trip, scheduled from June 11th to June 17th, serves two main purposes. Firstly, he will visit Sweden to strengthen bilateral relations and engage in discussions on mutual interests. Secondly, he will participate in the summit alongside various world leaders to address the current situation in Ukraine and explore peaceful resolutions to the conflict in the region.
After his visit to Sweden, President Petro will head to Switzerland for the peace conference on Ukraine, taking place on June 16th and 17th. This significant event will see the participation of leaders from approximately 70 countries, including numerous heads of state and government, to discuss critical issues such as nuclear security, food security, freedom of navigation, and humanitarian matters.
The decree number 0726 of 2024 outlines the specific responsibilities that Minister Bonilla will undertake in the absence of President Petro. These responsibilities, as stipulated by the Constitution of Colombia and current laws, ensure the continuity of government and the administration of the country during the temporary absence of the head of state.
Key functions delegated to Minister Bonilla include the authority to appoint and dismiss ministers and heads of administrative departments, convene extraordinary sessions of Congress, exercise general government direction, and manage legislative duties, among others.
As Minister Bonilla steps into the role of acting president, he will oversee a wide range of presidential functions, excluding the command of the armed forces as the supreme commander. This transition of responsibilities aims to maintain the governance and stability of Colombia during President Petro’s international engagements.
In conclusion, Minister Ricardo Bonilla’s assumption of presidential functions during President Gustavo Petro’s absence marks a significant moment in Colombia’s political landscape. The seamless transfer of duties ensures the continued operation of the government and upholds the constitutional framework in the president’s temporary absence.