Colombia braces for power shift as Petro exits and De la Espriella prepares inauguration

On July 20, 2026, Colombian unions organized a nationwide march to protest what they described as U.S. interference and the fiscal adjustment announced by the outgoing government. Leaders of the Union of State Workers (UTRADEC‑CGT) called for the demonstration to defend national sovereignty and to reject a proposed “belt‑tightening” that could fire more than 700,000 public employees.

President Gustavo Petro used his final public address to announce that he will leave a self‑portrait in the Casa de Nariño and to urge citizens to gather peacefully on Independence Day. He also declared that he will not attend the incoming president’s oath ceremony.

Abelardo de la Espriella, the president‑elect, has presented his first senior appointments, naming Carlos Ríos as secretary‑general of the Presidency, Valerie Lafaurie as manager of the Regions, Nicolás Gómez as chief of staff and María Fernanda Sandoval as director of communications.

The opposition party Pacto Histórico, founded by Petro, issued a statement pledging “firm, responsible and alternative” opposition to the incoming administration and vowed to defend the reforms of the Petro government. Tensions have risen over the venue of the inauguration, with Petro ordering that no military installation be used and emphasizing that the transfer of power must occur in Congress, while De la Espriella’s team has floated the idea of a ceremony at a military garrison.

Meanwhile, the newly convened Congress is set to elect its leadership on July 20, a process that will shape the legislative environment for De la Espriella’s term.