BOGOTA (Reuters) - Colombian Vice President German Vargas Lleras has announced he will step down on Wednesday, fueling speculation that he will run in presidential elections next year. President Juan Manuel Santos nominated former national police chief General Oscar Naranjo as Vargas' successor, stating he wanted Naranjo to strengthen security and the drive to stamp out coca cultivation. As vice president since 2014, Vargas focused on infrastructure projects, spearheading improvements to roadways and building subsidized housing for the poor. Like Santos, Vargas comes from one of the most powerful families in Colombia. Santos' nomination of Naranjo as vice president needs to be approved by Congress.

Source: thestar March 15, 2017 15:00 UTC