Ex‑magistrates challenge Abelardo de la Espriella’s presidential bid over U.S. citizenship

A group of former Colombian magistrates and constitutional scholars issued a public letter warning that Abelardo de la Espriella’s naturalized U.S. citizenship could be constitutionally incompatible with the presidency. While Colombia’s constitution permits dual nationality, the signatories argue that the oath taken during U.S. naturalization – pledging loyalty to the United States – may create a conflict of interest for a Colombian head of state and commander‑in‑chief of the armed forces.

The letter, signed by 20‑36 ex‑judges and jurists, stresses that De la Espriella’s Italian citizenship does not raise legal concerns, but the commitments required by U.S. naturalization could. One excerpt reads, “No debería ocupar la Presidencia mientras mantenga esa condición.” The discussion appears amid the 2026 presidential campaign, as De la Espriella advanced to the runoff scheduled for 21 June after receiving more than 10.3 million votes in the first round. No court ruling has yet been issued on the matter.