Bogota mayor Samuel Moreno on Friday said he is “tired of the gossip, tired of the lies, tired of the insults” as corruption allegations forces other political parties to distance themselves from the unpopular socialist.
In a press conference, Moreno said he is the victim of a conspiracy to discredit him and asked financial and judicial authorities to investigate allegations of nepotism and corruption.
The mayor’s statement comes a day after Partido de la U withdrew their support for Moreno’s governing coalition, the Liberal Party denied having anything to do with the socialist, and prominent fellow Polo Democratico member Gustavo Petro publicly demanded investigations against Moreno. The storm follows businessman Miguel Nule’s admission that his company paid a commission to the mayor for every public works contract that was granted to his Nule Group.
“Wednesday’s report is no coincidence. It is also not a coincidence that 24 hours later a CEO of the Nule Group talks to the media,” Moreno said, without directly responding to the allegations.
Moreno’s administration has been under pressure over the delay in carrying out public works, and soaring crime rates. One year before local elections, the mayor’s approval rating sunk to 25%.