Colombia’s opposition accused the two sons of President Alvaro Uribe of
enriching themselves through their contacts in government in a debate
about alleged insider trading of the Uribe family. The government
denies any wrongdoings.
The Tuesday evening debate was led by Liberal Party senator Cecilia Lopez Montaño, who demanded that Tomas and Jeronimo Uribe gave up the land that had grew in value from 33 million pesos (US$15 thousand) to three
billion pesos (US$1.3 billion) after the government, led by their father Alvaro Uribe, designated it as a free trade zone.
The opposition accuses the two sons of taking advantage their father’s influence to enrich themselves.
Polo Democratico senator Jorge Robledo demanded the ministers of Trade and Finance to admit knowing to be favoring the sons by declaring the area a free trade zone.
Defending himself, Finance Minister Oscar Ivan Zuluaga vowed there never had been any government pressure to change the destination of the area, so the Uribe sons would be benefited. This was supported by his Trade colleague.
Tomas and Jeronimo Uribe, who had been invited to explain their position in the Senate, but thanked, already announced they would give the profit of their controversial investment to charity.
