Colombia Ministry of Finance proposes reallocating Bogotá Metro funds

Colombia's Minister of Finance, Miguel Gómez Martínez, has presented a proposal to the Congress to reallocate budget resources originally intended for Bogotá's Metro Line 1 and the Calle 13 transport project. The plan seeks to redirect approximately 1.2 trillion pesos to address the energy crisis in the Caribbean region caused by the El Niño phenomenon.

Additionally, the proposal includes 2.7 trillion pesos for the 'Fondo Milagro' to support reconstruction efforts in areas affected by an earthquake on August 10. Critics, including Representative María del Mar Pizarro, have questioned the move, noting that the reallocation could reduce Metro Line 1 funding by up to 44.9% and Calle 13 funding by 67%.

Minister Gómez defended the decision, stating that the reprogramming of these funds was initiated during the previous administration through an agreement signed by former President Gustavo Petro. He emphasized that the changes are intended to ensure energy supply liquidity for thermal generators and will not negatively impact transport systems in other regions.