Colombia president‑elect De La Espriella names retired General Jorge Eduardo Mora as defense minister

President‑elect Abelardo De La Espriella announced a sweeping cabinet lineup as he prepares to assume office on 7 August 2026. The centerpiece of the appointments is retired General Jorge Eduardo Mora López, who will head the Ministry of Defense. De La Espriella said Mora’s task is to restore state authority, boost the morale of the armed forces and intensify operations against illegal armed groups, narcotrafficking and illicit mining.

Other confirmed ministers include Mauricio Gómez Amín (Trade), Elsa Noguera (Transport), Viviane Morales (Education), Jaime Andrés Beltrán (Housing), Juliana Gutiérrez (Sports), Iván Cancino (Justice), Rodrigo Lara (Interior), Miguel Gómez Martínez (Finance) and Fabio Arjona (Environment). The administration also unveiled a “Talent Hunt” (Caza Talentos) program coordinated by Vice‑President José Manuel Restrepo to recruit cabinet members based on merit rather than political affiliation. The transition schedule gives priority to Security and Defense in the first two days, followed by Finance, Energy and Social sectors. Early policy moves include revoking the UNDMO decree, reinstating the ESMAD police unit and issuing decrees to reactivate capture orders against organized crime.