Government's millionaire time-traveller Petro: exvice of Transport is in the crosshairs for alleged irregularities in an operation that would move 20 billion pesos

The Colombian Ministry of Transportation has come under scrutiny over alleged irregularities in a major contract involving the operation of new driver licensing centers known as Centros de Apoyo Logístico de Evaluación (Cale). The deal, worth up to 20 billion pesos, was signed with the Universidad Nacional Abierta y a Distancia (Unad) under the administration of President Gustavo Petro. The agreement, which spans two decades, includes provisions for managing both theoretical and practical exams required for obtaining or reclassifying driving licenses. It also allows for potential earnings of around 5 billion pesos, along with the freedom to subcontract key functions related to these evaluations. According to reports from Semana, the process moved forward despite numerous legal challenges and complaints. The ex-viceminister Lina Huari played a central role in accelerating the implementation of the Cale system, setting its activation date just days before the end of Petro’s presidency. The system was set to begin operations on September 14, following the publication of an external directive. However, this timeline was met with resistance from other universities and citizens who claimed the process lacked transparency and fairness. Universities such as the Universidad Surcolombiana and the Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia (UPTC) filed petitions arguing that the selection of Unad as the sole operator excluded other institutions from participating. They pointed to a lack of openness in the contracting process and alleged that the decision favored a specific entity without due consideration of alternatives. Despite official claims that the contract did not constitute a monopolistic choice, the reality remained that Unad was the only institution granted operational authority. Legal action against the former ministers has been initiated. Attorney Diego Mauricio Ardila, representing affected universities, has filed criminal charges against both former Minister María Fernanda Rojas and ex-viceminister Lina Huari. The allegations include false motivation, abuse of power, and failure to comply with procedural requirements during the procurement process. These accusations suggest that the selection of Unad may have violated established regulations governing public contracts. The controversy surrounding the Cale project highlights broader tensions within Colombia's transportation regulatory framework. The system aims to streamline and standardize the process of issuing and renewing driver licenses, but its implementation has sparked concerns about corruption and favoritism. Critics argue that the involvement of private entities in mandatory services raises questions about accountability and the integrity of public oversight mechanisms. The Ministry of Transportation has defended its actions, stating that the existing contract does not close the door to future participation by other educational institutions. However, this assurance has not translated into actual opportunities for competition. As a result, the situation continues to fuel legal disputes and calls for greater transparency in government contracting practices. With the deadline for the Cale system to go live approaching, the outcome of ongoing investigations will likely shape the future of driver licensing in Colombia. The case underscores the complexities of balancing efficiency with ethical governance in public service delivery. The resolution of these legal challenges could have far-reaching implications for how public resources are managed and allocated in the country’s transport sector.