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President Abelardo de la Espriella Backs Housing Minister Jaime Andrés Beltrán Amidst Reconstruction Criticism

President Abelardo de la Espriella has officially designated Jaime Andrés Beltrán as the lead manager for Colombia's reconstruction efforts following a devastating earthquake. The decision comes despite significant public and political criticism regarding images of Beltrán relaxing on a beach in Santa Marta just days after the disaster struck 15 departments. While opposition members and some ruling-party congressmen called for his resignation, the administration announced a plan to invest over COP 30 billion in the affected regions, specifically focusing on the Cauca Valley, Chocó, Quindío, Caldas, and Risaralda. Jaime Andrés Beltrán defended his actions, stating he was not on vacation but rather spending a few hours with his family before returning to his duties. He emphasized that his family is also committed to the reconstruction process. First Lady Ana Lucía Pineda expressed her support for the minister, highlighting the role of his wife, Paula Ramírez, in the reconstruction efforts. Despite the pressure from the Pacto Histórico coalition, who proposed a motion of censure, the administration remains committed to Beltrán's leadership in the housing sector.

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