Colombian Senate approves presidential inauguration for De la Espriella in Cauca

The Colombian Senate has approved holding the presidential inauguration ceremony for President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella on August 7 in the southwestern department of Cauca. This marks a significant shift, as it would be the first time the presidential investiture ceremony is moved from the capital, Bogotá.

The vote, which passed with 55 in favor and 32 against, aims to bring the ceremony to one of Colombia's departments most affected by armed conflict and the presence of illegal groups. Cauca has seen an intensification of attacks against security forces and civilians in recent years, including the use of explosive-laden drones.

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I am the supreme commander of the military forces until August 7, and therefore the military and police barracks will be under my orders until my successor takes office.

However, the exact venue for the ceremony remains undecided. The session was adjourned due to a lack of quorum, postponing the vote on whether it will be held in a military garrison, as De la Espriella has repeatedly expressed a preference for. The decision also requires approval from the House of Representatives in a session next week.

Traditionally, presidential inaugurations take place before Congress, usually in the Salón Elíptico of the Capitol, though recent ceremonies have been held in the Plaza de Bolívar. The Colombian Constitution does not explicitly prohibit holding the ceremony outside Bogotá or in a different type of venue. However, outgoing President Gustavo Petro previously stated on X that as supreme commander of the military until August 7, military and police facilities would be under his orders, and he directed that "no military establishment shall serve for the inauguration of a president of the Republic of Colombia."

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no military establishment shall serve for the inauguration of a president of the Republic of Colombia.