Colombia Congress approves De La Espriella government budget

The Colombian Congress has approved the first of two debates for the 2027 national budget proposed by the government of Abelardo De La Espriella. The budget, totaling 635 trillion pesos, includes 87 trillion pesos for investment, which is 3 trillion pesos less than the previous administration's proposal.

Despite more than 500 propositions submitted by lawmakers, the text remained largely intact with only six modifications. These changes include transferring 2 trillion pesos to the health sector, reducing 2027 investment projects by 13.5 trillion pesos, and adding 170 billion pesos to justice and sports by cutting funds from the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP).

Interior Minister Rodrigo Lara credited the approval to a functioning government coalition, while Finance Minister Miguel Gómez emphasized the necessity of high debt repayment amounts to maintain fiscal responsibility and signal stability to international markets. While the government views this as a victory for fiscal discipline, some legislators expressed dissatisfaction regarding the lack of influence over the final text.