Colombia's president-elect seeks military inauguration as new Congress convenes

On July 20, 2026 Colombia marked its Independence Day with official ceremonies in Bogotá, where outgoing President Gustavo Petro delivered his final address and president‑elect Abelardo de la Espriella attended events in Medellín. A parliamentary proposition filed on the same day asks that the president‑elect’s swearing‑in on 7 August be held in a military garrison rather than the Capitolio Nacional, citing constitutional flexibility and a tribute to the armed forces. The proposal must be approved by both chambers; Senate President Lidio García Turbay said the move is legally possible but logistically challenging, and the ruling party is expected to support it.

The new Congress began its 2026‑2030 term on 20 July, with a fragmented composition and no clear majority. Parties have been negotiating leadership elections for the Senate and Chamber’s directorial boards, and multiple committees, including the Commission of Accusations, have been constituted. The Pacto Histórico secured the largest representation on the accusation commission, while the Conservative and Centro Democrático blocs also obtained seats. Tensions have risen between de la Espriella’s plan and Petro’s opposition, with Petro stating that no military facilities may be used before he ceases to be commander‑in‑chief of the armed forces.