Colombia’s President Juan Manuel Santos appointed Federico Rengifo as Minister of the Interior, following his predecessor German Vargas Lleras’ move to become Minister of Housing.
Rengifo, who leaves his position as Secretariat General, has had an extensive career in both the public and private sectors.
“He actively participated in two campaigns for the U Party [Colombia’s ruling political party], he was also a union leader, and President of the Banco de Colombia (…) He was president of the guild, president of the trust and has been serving as the Secretariat General,” said Santos.
“I don’t doubt, from his personal qualities, his manner of relating to Congress, which he knows very well (…) He will be a magnificent interior minister,” the President added.
Juan Mesa will leave his position as Senior Advisor of Communications to fill Rengifo’s shoes in the Secretariat General’s Office.
Colombia’s Conservative Party called for more representation in Santos’ government Wednesday after three of the party’s members resigned in recent months.