Colombia’s Foreign Minister Resigns Over Passport Contract Dispute

Colombia’s Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia has officially stepped down from her post, citing deep disagreements over the government’s controversial handling of a national passport printing contract.

Sarabia, who has held the role since January and was once Chief of Staff to President Gustavo Petro, announced her resignation Thursday via a post on X (formerly Twitter).

In the message, she expressed her discontent with recent decisions made within the administration, stating:

“In the last few days, decisions have been made that I do not agree with. I have decided to resign out of personal coherence and institutional respect.”

Her abrupt departure comes in the midst of growing controversy surrounding a government contract to manage Colombia’s passport printing operations.

The Petro administration has faced backlash for allegedly overturning existing arrangements in favor of new contractors raising concerns over transparency and procurement integrity.

Sarabia is believed to have internally opposed the abrupt contract changes, putting her at odds with influential figures in the government.

Though she did not mention President Petro directly in her statement, the resignation is seen as a strong signal of internal friction within the administration’s upper ranks.

The disagreement centers on the government’s decision to cancel and reassess a passport printing contract that had already been awarded to Thomas Greg & Sons, a private firm.

The company had reportedly won the bid to continue producing Colombia’s national passports, but the Petro administration halted the process, calling for a new evaluation.

The move triggered sharp criticism from various sectors, including Sarabia, who insiders say pushed back against the reversal behind closed doors.

Laura Sarabia’s resignation marks a significant loss for President Petro.

As one of his most trusted aides, Sarabia was seen as a key figure in shaping foreign policy and diplomacy at a time when Colombia is navigating sensitive international partnerships.

Political analysts in Bogotá view her exit as yet another sign of internal instability in Petro’s left-leaning government, which has faced mounting criticism over transparency, administrative delays, and stalled reforms.

Opposition lawmakers were quick to seize on the development.

“This is yet another indication that the government is in chaos,” said Senator María Fernanda Cabal.

“When your foreign minister walks out over a contract dispute, it sends a very loud message.”

The government has not yet named a replacement, though sources within the Presidential Palace say a reshuffle could be imminent.

Sarabia’s resignation comes as the Petro administration struggles to manage growing discontent over economic policies, rising inflation, and a stalled peace process with armed groups.

Observers warn that the passport scandal could snowball into a wider credibility issue, especially as Petro’s approval ratings continue to slip.

For many Colombians, Sarabia’s exit highlights deeper issues within the Petro administration particularly around governance, transparency, and internal cohesion.

As the passport contract probe continues, more political fallout may lie ahead.

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