Santos announces Colombia’s new housing minister

German Vargas (L) and Lusi Felipe Henao

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of Luis Felipe Henao as the country’s new Housing Minister.

Until now, Henao held the position of Deputy Minister of Housing. The official will replace outgoing Minister German Vargas, which he also did during the administration of former President Alvaro Uribe when Vargas resigned prematurely to run for president in the 2010 elections.

According to the president, the change of minister was not “a goodbye but rather a see you later,” to Vargas, who has agreed to become part of Santos’ “Good Governance Foundation” that will prepare the administration for the 2014 elections.

The new Housing Minister has two challenges that will require specific attention; Firstly to continue Colombia’s housing policy, which includes the building of 100,000 free homes. secondly, the minister will have to uphold good relations with the government of the capital Bogota where the construction of free homes has not taken off as planned.

Sources

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