Colombia’s Constitutional Court Annuls Establishment of Ministry of Equality, Says Francia Marquez

The Constitutional Court of Colombia overturned the law creating the Ministry of Equality, led by Vice President France Marquez, citing procedural defects in Congress. The court stated that there was no fiscal impact analysis conducted in the creation process. The Ministry will continue to exist until 2026, as the Court deferred its decision for two legislative terms.

The lawsuit challenging the Ministry was filed by Senator Paloma Valencia of the Uribista party, who criticized the Ministry as “pure bureaucracy.” Valencia pointed out that the Ministry had a large budget but lacked proper investment for the benefit of Colombians. She stated that the government did not provide a fiscal impact study for the project.

The Ministry of Equality was officially approved by Congress in December 2022 and is responsible for caring for 14 towns, as well as marginalized populations such as women, LGTBIQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and others affected by inequality. The Ministry is divided into five vice-ministries focusing on different populations.

Despite its budget, the Ministry of Equality has executed less than 1% of its budget this year, leading to criticism of Vice President Marquez. The Ministry was a campaign promise of President Gustavo Petro and was officially established last year. The decision of the Court to overturn the law creating the Ministry has raised questions about the government’s handling of resources and decision-making process.