Colombia territorial decentralization and autonomy debate

Colombia is engaged in a legislative and constitutional debate regarding territorial decentralization and the distribution of regional power. The government has been working to modify the proposed Competencies Law, an initiative originally introduced by the Gustavo Petro administration to address the scope of the General Participation System (SGP).

Critics, including Senator Hernán Cadavid, have characterized the initiative as a ‘miniconstituyente’ due to its significant impact on territorial organization. Concerns have been raised that the proposed changes might assign competencies to regions without providing the necessary funding through the modified SGP.

Parallel discussions involve the potential transformation of the Caribbean Administrative and Planning Region (RAP Caribe) into a Territorial Entity Region (RET). This move follows the approval of Legislative Act 003 of 2024, which aims to transfer up to 39.5% of national resources to territorial entities over a 12-year period. Additionally, questions regarding regional autonomy have surfaced following President Abelardo de la Espriella’s interest in governing from Barranquilla, prompting debate over whether the presidency must be physically based in Bogotá.