Gustavo Petro bans military venues, skips inauguration of Abelardo de la Espriella

President Gustavo Petro has intensified his dispute with president‑elect Abelardo de la Espriella over the upcoming transition. Petro condemned de la Espriella’s public meetings with future ministers and the use of military symbols, calling the display “pura lentejuela, baratería” and warning that no incoming officials may act before the constitutionally set start of the term on 7 August.

Petro announced he will not attend de la Espriella’s inauguration and issued an order prohibiting any military installation from being used for the ceremony. He reiterated that the transfer of power must occur in Congress, not in a barracks.

In addition, Petro called for a nationwide mobilization on 20 July, describing it as a “second cry of independence” and urging citizens to gather in public squares to defend the social reforms of his government. He stated, “no voy a estar el 7 de agosto en ninguna parte, ni a darle la mano,” confirming his absence from the hand‑over ceremony.