Colombia President implements austerity and transparency reforms

austerity measures public spending San Andrés security anti-mermelada law protection schemes

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has launched a series of austerity and transparency measures aimed at reducing public spending and curbing political corruption. As part of an institutional austerity plan, the President ordered a review of state-funded personal security schemes managed by the National Protection Unit (UNP), stating that protection must be strictly justified by verified risks rather than being granted without foundation.

To combat the practice known as ‘mermelada’—the exchange of public resources or contracts for political support—the government has filed a constitutional reform. Introduced by Interior Minister Rodrigo Lara Restrepo, the proposal seeks to create a public registry of investment projects promoted by congressmen and establish stricter controls on potential conflicts of interest.

Additionally, the administration has implemented new rules for state contracting and personnel hiring through the DNP and DAPRE to rationalize functional spending. During a security council in the San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina archipelago, the President also announced increased maritime and aerial surveillance to combat drug trafficking and ordered the transfer of local inmates to mainland prisons. Regional investments were also highlighted, including improvements to healthcare infrastructure, airport control towers, and road paving.

Entities

Abelardo De La Espriella · Departamento Administrativo de la Presidencia de la República · Departamento Nacional de Planeación · Ministerio del Interior · Rodrigo Lara Restrepo · San Andrés, Providencia y Santa Catalina · Unidad Nacional de Protección

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] The National Planning Department (DNP) issued a circular on October 9, 2026, requiring officials to verify contract compliance and review current agreements. www.elnuevodia.com.co
[○ 1 SOURCE] New hiring rules require entities to demonstrate functional necessity and lack of duplication before requesting new staff.
[○ 1 SOURCE] DAPRE issued External Circular No. 08 on October 15, 2026, establishing austerity guidelines for professional services and management support contracts. www.elnuevodia.com.co
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Administrative Department of the Presidency (DAPRE) issued guidelines to limit the hiring of personnel for free appointment and removal positions to a maximum of 60% of legally provided roles.
[○ 1 SOURCE] President Abelardo de la Espriella ordered a review of state personal protection schemes to eliminate those without justification. www.cablenoticias.com