On Friday, the transition team of Colombia’s president-elect, Abelardo de la Espriella, asked Congress to consider holding the inauguration ceremony on August 7 at a military garrison outside of Bogotá, a proposal that has sparked debate due to its logistical and security implications.

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The letter, signed by Mariana Pacheco, De la Espriella’s team’s transition coordinator, details the incoming government’s desire for the inauguration to take place in a location other than Bogotá, without specifying the exact address.

However, local media reports indicate that it could be a battalion in Popayán, the capital of the Cauca department, given the symbolism it would represent in a region historically affected by armed conflict.

The Colombian Constitution stipulates that the presidential inauguration must take place before Congress, traditionally in the Elliptical Hall of the National Capitol or in Bolívar Square in Bogotá. There is no recent precedent for an inauguration in a venue other than the one proposed by De la Espriella’s team.

#ElCalentaol Un informe de Vorágine reveló que el presidente electo Abelardo de la Espriella designó a varios oficiales en retiro para liderar el empalme del sector Defensa.

Según la investigación, entre los designados hay militares señalados de conocer la planeación de… pic.twitter.com/cAfIgWJW6b

— Señal Colombia (@SenalColombia) July 10, 2026

The text reads, “A Vorágine report revealed that President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella appointed several retired officers to lead the Defense sector transition process. According to the investigation, among those appointed are military personnel accused of knowing about the planning of extrajudicial executions and the alleged public resources diversion. The report also warns that several of the summoned officers have been questioned for alleged actions related to human rights violations.”

According to the team, three questions were raised with Congress to begin the legal and protocol planning for the ceremony:

Confirm whether Congress has the authority to move its headquarters outside the capital for the inauguration.

Indicate the quorum required for Congress to validly convene outside of Bogotá, bearing in mind that the inauguration is a solemn act that does not require a vote.

Describe the procedure for proposing, debating, and formalizing the agreement between the Senate and the House of Representatives authorizing the relocation.

Pacheco also requested information on the deadline for completing the logistical arrangements before August 7, considering that the new Congress, elected on March 8, will be sworn in on July 20. The proposal has been questioned due to the logistical complexity involved in transporting 108 senators, 188 representatives to the House, invited heads of state and government, representatives of international organizations, authorities, service personnel, security and press.

#Colombia | President Gustavo Petro denounced irregularities in the presidential runoff held Sunday, in which far-right candidate Abelardo de la Espriella won 49.66% of the vote.https://t.co/4fc7mPe4St

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) June 24, 2026

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