Colombian Finance Minister Ricardo Bonilla has resigned at the request of President Gustavo Petro, following allegations of his involvement in bribery schemes involving parliamentarians. This resignation marks another chapter in Colombia’s ongoing struggle with corruption at high levels of government.
Bonilla is accused by a former advisor of being aware that lawmakers were allegedly receiving payments in exchange for supporting key reforms promised by President Petro. In a statement on social media, Bonilla asserted his innocence, saying, “I leave with my head held high, confident that I will convince my investigators that I did not buy silence nor votes from congressmen.” He emphasized his commitment to transparency, stating, “The defense I am undertaking with my legal team is supported by truth and transparency.”
The attorney general’s office has alleged that bribes amounting to $200,000 were misappropriated from public funds. During a press conference, President Petro announced that Bonilla’s deputy, Diego Guevara, will take over the finance ministry. Petro defended Bonilla, stating he requested the resignation “not because I believe he is guilty, but because they want to destroy him for his loyalty” to the administration. He described Bonilla as a “true economist, committed to the necessities of his people.”
This incident is part of a broader corruption scandal that has implicated numerous high-ranking officials, including members of both the ruling party and the opposition. In July, Colombia’s intelligence chief, a close ally of President Petro, also resigned amid accusations of facilitating bribery to expedite legislative processes.
The allegations against Bonilla surfaced earlier this year in connection with an investigation into questionable contracts awarded to the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD). Reports indicate that some contracts, worth $10.5 million, were for defective water tankers intended for La Guajira, a province struggling with access to clean drinking water. The former head of UNGRD has been accused of influence peddling, leading to the investigations that now include Bonilla.
Colombia’s Supreme Court is currently investigating alleged “crimes of bribery and possible illicit enrichment.” Former Deputy Director of UNGRD, Sneyder Pinilla, who is also under investigation, has reportedly become a cooperating witness, providing evidence of a “criminal structure” involving high-ranking federal officials.
Despite the mounting evidence, President Petro has largely dismissed the allegations of corruption within his government, asserting on social media, “The coup has begun.” He linked Bonilla’s case to broader efforts to undermine his administration’s economic policies, claiming that “they want to use the scandal involving Bonilla to make the economic policy of the government collapse.” He further stated, “They want to divide us in fights that they themselves invent,” referring to those he believes are orchestrating the accusations against his administration.
As the investigation unfolds, Colombia remains on high alert regarding the implications of this scandal for the country’s political landscape and governance.
