Colombian President Gustavo Petro called for his ministers and other senior officials to step down, as tensions soared in the government days after he lambasted his team on live television.

Colombia's interior minister has resigned as a political crisis shakes the government of President Gustavo Petro, following his decision to appoint a controversial politician as chief of staff.

BOGOTA (Reuters) - Colombia's Environment Minister Susana Muhamad said on Sunday she has informed President Gustavo Petro of her resignation from the post.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has requested the resignation of his government's cabinet members, he said in a post on social media on Sunday.

Colombia’s environment minister said she handed in her letter of resignation, the third member of the Gustavo Petro administration to quit, after a chaotic televised cabinet meeting last week ended in recriminations and tears.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Friday urged undocumented Colombians in the United States to quit their jobs “immediately” and return to Colombia.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has requested his cabinet members to resign ahead of a government reshuffle, he announced on social media Sunday. The move follows the resignation of Environment Minister Susana Muhamad,