Colombian presidential hopeful Abelardo de la Espriella’s US citizenship deemed constitutionally incompatible

More than 20 former Colombian magistrates, including ex‑ministers of the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court of Justice and the Council of State, issued a joint statement warning that candidate Abelardo de la Espriella’s United States citizenship conflicts with the duties of the Colombian presidency. They cite the U.S. Oath of Allegiance, which requires renouncing prior loyalties, as creating a direct clash with the Colombian president’s exclusive allegiance to the nation and his role as commander‑in‑chief and chief diplomat.

The jurists argue that a president holding U.S. citizenship could be subject to extraterritorial U.S. law, jeopardising sovereign decision‑making on treaties, security and defence. They stress that Colombian law demands unconditional loyalty from the head of state and warn of possible legal and political repercussions if the candidate proceeds with his bid in the upcoming election on 21 June.