In February 2025, a concerning situation related to the bidding for the Paraná-Paraguay waterway was revealed. The bid was declared void due to a lack of bidders, leading to a very harsh ruling on the bidding process.
Prosecutor Guillermo Marijuan and Federal Judge Sebastián Casanello endorsed the decision to cancel the bidding and declare it void. This led to investigations into the Belgian company Jan de Nul, which continued to operate in the waterway despite the failure of the bidding called by the administration of Javier Milei.
The complaint targets former officials of the Frente de Todos who were in charge of the AGP, including Alberto Fernández, Diego Giuliano, and Alexis Guerrera. The investigation also involves other officials and companies like Sudamericana de Dragados S.A. and ECOVINA.
The executive director of Ports and Navigable Ways, Iñaki Arreseygor, became embroiled in controversy due to the failed bidding and labeled the complainants as "serial accusers." Questions have been raised regarding the $90 million debt that the National State has with Jan de Nul and how this might have influenced the outcome of the failed bidding.
The lack of clarity in many aspects of the bidding has raised questions, such as why certain companies and individuals were excluded from participation, and the extension of the concession period to 30 years with the possibility of extension, among others.
The investigation seeks to determine the responsibilities of previous administrations in managing the waterway and the potential economic damages to the State. Accusations of negotiations incompatible with public function and illicit enrichment have generated a scandal involving various political and business actors.
