The letter published by the vice president of Colombia, after denouncing corruption and distance from Gustavo Petro

The vice president was one of Petro’s most critical officials on February 4, when the president broadcast a Council of Ministers live live on television and social networks. Márquez, who was also a minister of Equality (resigned on Wednesday), showed his discomfort for the presence in the cabinet of people who consider corrupt and alien to his progressive project.

This Thursday, three weeks after the exhibition of that intern, he published an extensive letter on his social networks.

“I have always spoken with transparency and the truth, I have never kept silent. Because loyalty is not to shut up, loyalty is to notice when the course deviates from the way, of the people. They do not mislead me, my commitment to the people remains intact, and when I point out what I consider that it is not right in our government, it is not to destroy, but to build a firmer and firmer path,” said Már.

“Today my life is in danger. Denounce corruption and point out what is wrong has consequences “wrote the vice of Colombia, without specifying whether it referred to that fact.

“For having told these truths they try and will continue trying to get entangled in scandals and political maneuvers against me that they only seek to damage my image,” he added.

The relationship of Márquez and Petro seems to have deteriorated after his choice as a binomial in 2022.

The vice president rejects the arrival at the dome of the government of Armando Benedettian former ally of the right and former depiplomatic that helped Petro come to power.

Investigated for corruption and denounced for alleged gender violence, Benedetti will be formalized this Thursday as the new Interior Minister.

Its proximity to Petro and the announcement of its designation generated an earthquake inside the cabinet that came to light before millions of people thanks to the transmission of the Council of Ministers.

Other officials joined Márquez’s claims. But the president, who defends his new minister Rajataba, replied asking for the resignation of the entire cabinet.

The name of Márquez’s successor as Minister of Equality is expected to be known this Thursday.

The Council of Ministers also led to the revelation of the alleged entry of money to Petro’s presidential campaign by the country’s largest smuggler.

The author of the complaint, Augusto Rodríguez, an official and old ally of Petro, published a letter implying that they could kill him and make his death pass as a suicide.

“I am not depressed, I do not usually attempt against my own integrity and joy of good health,” the official wrote.

Márquez came to political life after a long career as an activist and defender of the environment in his native Department of Cauca (southwest).

For that work he has been the victim of attacks. Even being vice president, the authorities discovered in 2023 a plan to kill her with explosives.

Colombian, Colombians. I came to this government to work for equality, equity and social justice. Not because of the bureaucracy, or for politicking, or for the interests that have stopped the real change.

From the first day I assumed the challenge of building an institution, they did not give me a created. I had to put the first brick, because the ministry was just a role. I did it with conviction and with the hope to change the lives of millions of people, but when the commitment is not accompanied by the necessary tools, the road becomes more difficult.

In spite of this, today the Ministry of Equality and Equity leaves solid bases: 24 programs for the closing of gaps and the rights guarantee, designed and in execution. To date, more than 15,800 young people are part of the young people in peace; Line 155 Salvia has attended more than 19 thousand victims and at risk of gender violence; Hunger zero has brought more than 50 thousand tons of food to the most vulnerable areas.

I have always spoken with transparency and the truth, I have never kept silent. Because loyalty is not silence, loyalty is to notice when the course deviates from the way, from people. Do not be misunderstood, my commitment to the people remains intact, and when I point out what I consider that it is not well in our government, it is not to destroy, but to build a firmer and more honest path.

Today, my life is in danger. Reporting corruption and pointing out what is wrong has consequences. They have not attacked me with arguments, but with threats against my life and that of my family. Even so, they will not shut up. I will not give up. Because the change we promised will not be slowed by fear.

Today for having told these truths, they try and will continue trying to get entangled in scandals or political maneuvers against me that they only seek to damage my image.

Corruption has no place in the change we promised.

As Bolívar said: “More costs to maintain the balance of freedom than to support the weight of tyranny,” and when the government gives in to the blackmail of those who whisper in the shadow, it is the entire country that ends up paying the price.

My commitment to Colombia does not end up being inside or outside a ministry. I will continue working for people and I will not stop until we take equality and equity to every corner of Colombia.