With the election of Carlos Camargo as the new Constitutional Court judge, President Gustavo Petro's cabinet will once again undergo some adjustments. This is in light of the president's previous statements regarding the importance of this role.

The head of state had already warned that if María Patricia Balanta, who was also seeking the position of magistrate, was not elected, the government team would be restructured. This was with a view to reorganizing alliances with the political forces in Congress.

"The election of the new magistrate will define the entire framework of alliances in Congress. We cannot give in to those who have supported fascism," said President Petro at the beginning of the week, who days before had ordered his party to support Balanta's candidacy.

In this context, the Casa de Nariño has reportedly requested the resignation of the Ministers of Labor, Antonio Sanguino, the Minister of ICT, Julián Molina, and the Minister of Commerce, Diana Marcela Rojas.

The reason? According to information obtained by EL TIEMPO, the request for these officials' resignations is linked to the fact that the parties they represent—the Green Party, the U Party, and the Liberal Party, respectively—did not support the aspiring magistrate.

The departure of these ministers would add to the long list of cabinet changes the Petro administration has undergone in the three years of its administration. The latest shakeup occurred in early August with the changes in the Equality and Environment portfolios.

The election of the magistrate

The election of the new Constitutional Court judge was one of the most intense contests the Senate has seen in recent years. With support for Camargo and Balanta, a close vote was expected.

However, Carlos Carmargo won with 62 votes. That is, he took office with a difference of 21 votes compared to the 41 obtained by his opponent.

The incoming judge is a lawyer with a master's degree and doctorate in law from Sergio Arboleda University, where he also taught. He has served as Ombudsman and as a judge on the National Electoral Council (CNE).