Abelardo de la Espriella launches regional handover with 18 projects in Norte de Santander

President‑elect Abelardo de la Espriella began Colombia’s regional handover (empalme) process with a visit to the department of Norte de Santander, the first stop of a planned tour of all 32 departments before his inauguration on 7 August. In the meeting with the governor, mayors and future cabinet members, 18 project proposals were presented, covering road infrastructure, security, health, education, employment and digital connectivity.

De la Espriella stressed that each initiative will be examined for technical, legal and fiscal viability and that only projects that can be executed during his term will be adopted. He warned that budget limits and prioritisation will shape the final list. Local officials welcomed the direct dialogue, expressing hope that the new administration will improve security, restore peace and advance pending infrastructure such as a double‑lane road and a hospital in the region.

The handover aims to give regions a stronger voice in shaping the national development plan and to signal a shift toward decentralised decision‑making, while acknowledging the challenges of financing and implementation.