Colombian President Gustavo Petro has asked his ministers and other senior government officials to resign amid deep divisions in his cabinet.

In a post on social media platform /X/, Petro said: ‘I have asked for the resignation of ministers and directors of administrative departments. There will be some changes in the cabinet to achieve greater compliance with the programme demanded by the people.

Environment Minister Susana Muhammad, who hosted last year’s COP16, had earlier announced her resignation after an unusual and stormy meeting last Tuesday between Colombia’s first leftist president and his cabinet.

During the meeting, Petro, who will take over the presidency in 2022, chastised almost all of his ministers for the lack of progress in implementing projects.

I have submitted my resignation to President Gustavo Petro,’ the environment minister said in televised remarks, adding that the decision was ‘difficult’.