Colombia's Congress Holds Authority Over Presidential Inauguration Venue

Colombia’s Constitution, article 192, requires the president‑elect to take the oath “ante el Congreso” but does not fix a physical location. The 1992 Congress Regulation (Law 5) designates the capital as the usual seat, making any relocation subject to legislative procedure.

Legal experts explain that only the Congress can approve a different venue, needing a majority vote in both the Senate and the Chamber of Representatives. The change would have to be formalised before the new legislative period begins on 20 July, when President‑elect Abelardo de la Espriella is scheduled to be inaugurated.

The Constitution also provides fallback options: the oath could be administered before the Supreme Court or, in extreme cases, before two private witnesses. Logistical and security arrangements remain under the Casa de Nariño protocol office and the DAPRE, and President Gustavo Petro’s recent ban on using military bases adds further complexity to any proposed relocation.