Laura Camila Sarabia Torres is a Colombian politician and diplomat who served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs from January 29 to July 3, 2025, under President Gustavo Petro’s administration. Born on March 20, 1994, in Bogotá, she is recognized for her rapid ascent in Colombian politics.
Sarabia’s political journey began in 2017 as an advisor to Senator Armando Benedetti. By 2020, she was part of the legislative team of the same senator. Her significant breakthrough came during the 2022 presidential campaign of Gustavo Petro, where she served as the chief strategist. Impressed by her capabilities, Petro appointed her as Chief of Staff in August 2022. However, in June 2023, she resigned following a controversy involving the alleged illegal wiretapping of her former employee, Marelbys Meza, which led to a broader scandal within the administration.
Despite the setback, Sarabia returned to government service in 2023 as the Director of the Department for Social Prosperity and later as the Director of the Administrative Department of the Presidency (DAPRE) in early 2024. Her final appointment was as Minister of Foreign Affairs in January 2025.
Sarabia resigned from her ministerial position on July 3, 2025, citing disagreements with recent government decisions, particularly concerning the national passport printing process. She advocated for extending the contract with Thomas Greg & Sons, a private company, arguing that the National Printing Office was not yet prepared to handle the task. However, the administration, led by President Petro and Chief of Staff Alfredo Saade, decided to proceed with a contract with the Portuguese Mint, effective September 1, 2025.
Early Life and Education
Born into a family with a military background, Sarabia’s early life was shaped by discipline and a sense of duty. She pursued higher education at the Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, where she earned a degree in political science. Furthering her expertise, she completed a specialization in political marketing and campaign strategies at the Universidad Externado de Colombia, followed by a master’s degree in political communication from the same institution in 2020.
Political Career
Entry into Politics
Sarabia’s political journey began in 2017 as an advisor to the Partido de la U. She then worked in the legislative office of Senator Armando Benedetti from 2018 to 2020. Her big break came during the 2022 presidential campaign of Gustavo Petro, where she served as the head of debate, showcasing her organizational and strategic skills. Her performance during the campaign caught the attention of Petro, leading to her appointment as Chief of Staff in August 2022.
Chief of Staff and Subsequent Roles
As Chief of Staff, Sarabia was instrumental in coordinating the government’s agenda and managing internal affairs. However, her tenure was short-lived due to a scandal involving the alleged illegal wiretapping of her former nanny, Marelbys Meza, and the use of a polygraph test without proper authorization. These events led to her resignation in June 2023.
Despite the controversy, Sarabia returned to the administration in September 2023 as the Director of the Department for Social Prosperity. In February 2024, she was appointed as the General Director of the Administrative Department of the Presidency (Dapre), a role that consolidated her influence within the government.
Minister of Foreign Affairs
On January 29, 2025, Sarabia was appointed as Colombia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, succeeding Luis Gilberto Murillo. Her appointment was met with mixed reactions, with some praising her loyalty and others questioning her lack of diplomatic experience.
Resignation and Controversies
Disagreement Over Passport Printing Contract
Sarabia’s resignation on July 3, 2025, came amid a dispute over the national passport printing contract. She opposed the government’s decision to transfer the contract to the Casa de la Moneda de Portugal, arguing that the National Printing Office was not prepared to handle the task. Her concerns were based on logistical and operational challenges that could lead to a crisis in passport issuance.
Scandals and Legal Issues
Throughout her career, Sarabia faced several scandals that tarnished her public image. The most notable was the “polygraph case,” where she allegedly ordered a polygraph test for her former nanny and was implicated in illegal wiretapping activities. These incidents led to investigations by the Colombian Attorney General’s Office and calls for accountability within the administration.
Personal Life
Family and Background
Sarabia hails from a family with a strong military background, which influenced her disciplined approach to work and public service. She is known to be a devout Christian, often referencing her faith in public statements.
Marital Status and Children
Sarabia is divorced and has a son. Her personal life has been relatively private, with limited information available about her relationships and family dynamics.
Net Worth and Salary
While exact figures are not publicly disclosed, Sarabia’s positions in the government suggest a substantial income. As of 2024, the salary for a minister in Colombia is approximately seven million pesos per month. Considering her multiple high-ranking roles, her net worth is estimated to be in the range of several hundred million pesos, though this remains speculative.
Conclusion
Laura Sarabia’s career trajectory reflects the complexities of Colombian politics, marked by rapid ascension, significant influence, and eventual downfall. Her story serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of navigating public service amid controversy and internal conflicts. Despite her resignation, Sarabia’s impact on the Petro administration and Colombian politics remains a subject of discussion and analysis.
FAQs
Who is Laura Sarabia?
Laura Sarabia is a Colombian politician who served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs under President Gustavo Petro.
What led to Laura Sarabia’s resignation?
Her resignation was due to disagreements over the government’s decision to change the national passport printing contract.
What positions did Laura Sarabia hold in the government?
She served as Chief of Staff, Director of the Department for Social Prosperity, General Director of Dapre, and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
What controversies surrounded Laura Sarabia?
She was involved in a scandal regarding the illegal wiretapping of her former nanny and the use of a polygraph test without proper authorization.
What is Laura Sarabia’s educational background?
She holds a degree in political science from the Universidad Militar Nueva Granada and a master’s degree in political communication from the Universidad Externado de Colombia.
What is known about Laura Sarabia’s personal life?
She comes from a military family, is a devout Christian, and has a son.
What is Laura Sarabia’s estimated net worth?
While exact figures are not disclosed, her net worth is estimated to be in the range of several hundred million pesos.
How did Laura Sarabia rise to prominence?
Her strategic role in President Petro’s 2022 campaign and subsequent appointments in the administration propelled her into the political spotlight.
