Colombia's Contraloría Judicial Police conducted a surprise audit at the Ministry of Finance on Tuesday to review more than 14,000 contracts [1].

The investigation focuses on whether the outgoing administration of President Gustavo Petro used public funds to secure political favors before leaving office. If the contracts are found to be illegal, they could represent a significant financial loss for the Colombian state.

Officials from the audit office visited the ministry in Bogotá to request detailed information on the agreements signed within the last month [1]. The probe seeks to determine if these contracts comply with national law, or if they were issued to benefit specific individuals as the government prepares for transition [2].

Miguel Gómez Martínez, the designated minister of finance, criticized the timing and nature of the agreements. He said that with one month remaining before the transition, the administration continues to commit the national budget to pay favors, calling the practice not only poorly executed but unethical [2].

This scrutiny comes amid broader allegations of financial irregularities within state-linked entities. Ecopetrol has faced allegations regarding contracts valued at $700 million [3].

While the audit office and critics describe the surge in contracting as a "piñata" of favors [2], the Petro government has defended its actions. In a separate document, the administration said that the contracts follow specific regulations regarding how fixed-term agreements become indefinite [4].

The Contraloría is now assessing the potential for financial damages to the nation. The audit team is reviewing the documentation to decide if the contracts should be halted, or if the funds must be recovered.

““A un mes de salir, siguen comprometiendo el presupuesto de la nación para pagar favores. Eso no solo es algo mal hecho, sino antiético”.”

This audit represents a high-stakes clash between an outgoing administration and the incoming financial leadership. By questioning the legality of over 14,000 contracts, the Contraloría is attempting to freeze potential political patronage and protect the treasury from liabilities that could hamper the next government's budget. The outcome will likely determine whether the transition is marked by legal challenges and corruption probes regarding the use of public resources.