Colombian Senator and former presidential candidate Iván Cepeda has rejected attempts to criminalize the opposition and link citizen mobilization with terrorism, while confirming he will join popular demonstrations on August 7 against far-right president-elect Abelardo De la Espriella.
The senator’s statements came shortly after De la Espriella branded civil disobedience as a “euphemism to try to destabilize democracy,” vowing to put a stop to any such attempt.
Cepeda asserted that he will not accept being prevented from exercising the democratic right to political opposition. He stated that his presence at rallies in Barranquilla, Cali, and Bogotá would constitute a peaceful expression of civil disobedience and popular sovereignty.
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Addressing the incoming leader’s stance, the parliamentarian maintained that in the face of authoritarian rhetoric, intimidation tactics, or a possible declaration of a state of internal commotion, they will not accept with resignation that Colombia ends up subordinated to the interests of a foreign power
Likewise, the senator maintained that De la Espriella’s U.S. citizenship—acquired through naturalization in 2023—poses an impediment that can only be remedied by its renunciation. He argued that the head of state requires exclusive and unequivocal loyalty to the Colombian nation and its sovereignty.
7 DE AGOSTO, CON EL PUEBLO
El próximo 7 de agosto estaremos, como lo hemos hecho siempre, junto al pueblo colombiano.
No aceptamos que se nos impida el ejercicio democrático del derecho que tenemos a la oposición política.
Nuestra presencia en concentraciones en…
— Iván Cepeda Castro (@IvanCepedaCast) August 3, 2026
Cepeda emphasized that the Historical Pact will continue to stand with the people, defending their rights, the social achievements of the last four years, and the preservation of Colombia’s dignity, democracy, and sovereignty.
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