Colombia’s top corporate lobbyist resigns over reported tensions with president

Bruce Mac Master, director of Colombia's leading business association ANDI, announced his resignation amid reported tensions with President Abelardo de la Espriella. In a letter to the organization, Mac Master stated that the role of ANDI's head had become "particularly complex" due to "unexpected and troubling circumstances" and "multiple pressures" that hindered the association's ability to function independently.

Mac Master tried to handle the situation with "firmness and prudence," adhering to institutional channels and prioritizing the organization's interests over personal considerations. The resignation came after reports claiming that De la Espriella ordered his cabinet to boycott the ANDI chief. According to La Silla Vaca, a political news magazine, the conflict stemmed from De la Espriella's law firm being barred from joining the ANDI and the association's donations for the earthquake relief bypassing the First Lady's controversial foundation.

Despite the efforts of the General Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, and Mac Master himself, attempts to resolve the situation were unsuccessful. Mac Master expressed regret for the inability to find a solution, emphasizing his belief in the importance of collaboration between the government, private sector, and institutions.

He hoped that his resignation would foster a renewed collaboration between the national government and the business community in representing the interests of the approximately 1,600 members of ANDI, which he had served since 2013.