Colombia president‑elect De la Espriella vows military inauguration despite Petro ban

Outgoing President Gustavo Petro ordered that “no military establishment shall be used for a presidential inauguration,” invoking his authority as commander‑in‑chief until the transfer of power on 7 August. President‑elect Abelardo de la Espriella responded that he will be inaugurated “in the south of the country in a military garrison to pay a solemn tribute to the heroes of the nation and to the uniformed forces that protect democracy.”

The proposal to hold the oath‑taking at a southern base breaks with Colombia’s constitutional tradition, which requires the ceremony before Congress in Bogotá’s Capitol or Plaza de Bolívar. The dispute has intensified an already fragile transition, with both sides suspending the empalme process and trading accusations of irregularities and corruption.

Lawyers and analysts warn that the clash could affect civil‑military relations and the perception of democratic norms. The newly installed Congress on 20 July will decide whether to permit the military venue, while the political stalemate continues to polarize the country.