Colombia debates decentralization and regional autonomy

Colombia is facing a significant debate regarding territorial decentralization and the distribution of political power. President Abelardo de la Espriella has expressed interest in exercising parts of his administration from Barranquilla, a move that raises constitutional questions about whether the President must physically govern from the capital, Bogotá.

Simultaneously, there is a push to transform the Caribbean Administrative and Planning Region (RAP Caribe) into a Territorial Entity Region (RET). This evolution, supported by leaders such as Atlántico Governor Eduardo Verano de la Rosa, follows the approval of Legislative Act 003 of 2024. This act aims to transfer up to 39.5% of national resources to territorial entities over 12 years.

While these changes aim to increase regional autonomy and resources, critics question whether the transformation will truly empower peripheral territories or simply shift the center of power from Bogotá to regional hubs like Barranquilla.