May 3rd, Colombia’s finance minister, Alberto Carrasquilla, announced his resignation. In his resignation, Mr Karaschia said his continued appointment would prevent the government from reaching a quick and effective consensus. On the same day, President Duke of Colombia appointed economist Jose Manuel Restrepo as finance minister.
Large demonstrations against tax reform have broken out in several major cities across Colombia since April 28, local time. On May 2nd, duke announced the withdrawal of the tax reform package that had been submitted to Congress for discussion.
According to Colombian media reports, Alberto Carrasquilla has served as the country’s finance minister since Duke became president and is one of the main drivers of the tax reform. Local media, citing NGO data, said at least 19 people had been killed in the demonstrations. As of press release, demonstrators are still gathering in the streets of Bogota, the capital of Colombia.
