Colombia: President de la Espriella announces cultural counter-revolution

President Abelardo de la Espriella has declared a “cultural counter-revolution” in Colombia, stating his administration will engage in an open struggle against “wokism.” The President indicated that officials who do not share his principles should step aside.

As part of this shift, the administration intends to rename the Ministry of Cultures, Arts, and Knowledge to the Ministry of Culture and Heritage. Additionally, Alejandro Ordóñez has been appointed as Minister of the Interior. Ordóñez previously held roles as a prosecutor where he worked to expand conscientious objection regarding abortion and intervened to restrict same-sex marriage.

Concurrently, the government has issued Decree 1525, which modifies regulations regarding social protest and the intervention of public forces. This decree has raised questions regarding the scope of government regulatory powers and the right to protest under the 1991 Constitution, which was designed to limit states of exception and protect public demonstrations.