Abelardo de la Espriella launches transition, secures $60 million BID aid amid opposition calls

President‑elect Abelardo de la Espriella announced that the Inter‑American Development Bank will provide US$60 million in non‑repayable funds to support the government‑to‑government transition. In his first weekly address he outlined a grim economic outlook—5.8% inflation, rising public debt and high interest rates—while saying markets have responded positively to his election.

He also said the transition will include territorial “empalmes” with governors and may involve sending allegations of alleged irregularities in peace talks with the Clan del Golfo to the U.S. Department of Justice. Simultaneously, de la Espriella visited several Catholic shrines, describing the trips as a “pilgrimage of hope” for Colombia.

Colombian pop star Karol G published an open letter to the president‑elect, urging him to “govern for everyone,” to listen to all voters and to remember that power is a responsibility, not a trophy. The letter was repeated across multiple outlets.

Opposition leader Iván Cepeda warned he will call for peaceful civil disobedience unless de la Espriella clarifies his alleged U.S. citizenship and renounces any perceived loyalty to the United States. Cepeda also accused the president‑elect of sending Colombian citizens’ data to U.S. authorities and of attempting to extradite former president Gustavo Petro.