Colombian Inspector General Alejandro Ordoñez has confirmed Bogota Mayor Samuel Moreno’s three month suspension from office, Caracol Radio reported.
In a Thursday decision, Ordoñez shot down an appeal of the suspension that had been filed by Moreno’s attorney, meaning that the former mayor will be suspended for the full three months.
Moreno was suspended from office on May 3 for alleged involvement in the city’s major public works corruption scandal, in which the Nule Group was fraudulently awarded public works contracts by government officials in exchange for a kick-back from the company.
Education Minister Maria Fernanda Campo, of the Polo Democratico political party, has been appointed interim mayor, while President Juan Manuel Santos and the Council of the State decide on a permanent replacement for Moreno, from his political party. The elections for mayor will be held in October.