The Government's "Mermelada" Comes Due
What is happening in the country with Gustavo Petro's government is becoming more and more unusual. Amidst the country's serious fiscal problems, the waste of resources is increasingly blatant. The country saw it all in last Sunday's elections: the map of the zone of influence of congressmen who have benefited from the Government's "mermelada" coincides with the votes.
TL;DR
- The Colombian government's spending is described as increasingly blatant and excessive, occurring amidst serious fiscal problems.
- There is a correlation between the influence of congressmen benefiting from government funds and voting patterns.
- Public funds are allegedly being used for Petro's political machinery and campaigning.
- The Comptroller's Office has noted a surge in contract celebrations before electoral guarantee law restrictions.
- In January alone, national government contracts amounted to 14.8 trillion pesos.
- Concerts and events continue, including one for the delivery of ambulances and campaign events for a Pacto Histórico candidate.
- The Fiscal Rule Autonomous Committee warns of a concerning fiscal outlook due to overestimated revenues and underestimated expenses, recommending cuts of at least 31 trillion pesos.
- Corficolombiana reports that Colombia faces its most complex fiscal situation in decades, requiring an expenditure adjustment equivalent to 3-4% of GDP.
- Public spending has increased significantly, from 350 trillion pesos in 2022 to a projected 547 trillion pesos in 2026, with functioning and personnel costs rising the most.
- The fiscal deficit reached 6.4% of GDP in 2025, with a shortfall of 117 trillion pesos, and public debt has grown to 1,192 trillion pesos.
- The government claims the deficit will drop to 5.1% of GDP this year but provides no clear plan for expense reduction.
- Inflation is expected to nearly double this year due to a significant increase in the minimum wage.
- Millions of pesos intended for vote-buying were confiscated during recent elections.
- The consequences of excessive spending are expected to impact the next government, potentially leading to a new tax reform and significant spending cuts to avoid a default scenario similar to Argentina.