Facing a criminal investigation, the mayor of Bogota on Wednesday claimed that commercial interests in the capital city are mounting a coup against him.
“We are aware of the existence of powerful political and economic interests pushing for an institutional coup in Bogota,” tweeted embattled Bogota mayor, Gustavo Petro.
Somos conscientes de la existencia de intereses de poder político y económico que presionan un golpe de estado institucional en Bogotá
— Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) January 16, 2013
Colombia’s Inspector General’s Office on Tuesday said it will investigate Petro’s handling of the municipalization of the city’s garbage collection to find out whether any abuse of power occurred. Garbage in Bogota was previously collected by private contractors but Petro handed the responsibility over to a newly-formed public company. The transition was controversial and did not go smoothly, resulting in garbage being left in the street for several days. Petro has received staunch criticism from fellow politicians, citizens and media outlets in the situation’s aftermath.
According to the mayor, the “powerful group pressing for a coup in Bogota” have two strategies. One, “sabotage the peace process in Havana” and two, “maintain the privileges of a small group of contractors” who have undue influence in how the city operates.
El grupo poderoso que presiona el golpe de estado institucional en Bogotá busca entonces: 1. Sabotear proceso de paz en La Habana
— Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) January 16, 2013
Y 2. Mantener privilegios del pequeño grupo de contratistas que se ha hecho al poder publico, y logra controlar políticos y algunos medios
— Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) January 16, 2013
Other tweets exhorted citizens to mobilize themselves “for peace and democracy.” Petro also said that a “public defense committee” has been created, though it is not clear what this committee will do or who will comprise it.
Petro on Wednesday also announced that the change in the garbage regime would lower the collection tariff by 8% beginning in March.