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De la Espriella Assumes Colombia Presidency in Unconventional, Religiously Toned Ceremony
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Culture & Society

De la Espriella Assumes Colombia Presidency in Unconventional, Religiously Toned Ceremony

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Abelardo de la Espriella, an far-right lawyer, was inaugurated as the President of Colombia in Cali, breaking traditional protocol.
  • The ceremony included religious invocations and was followed by his first presidential address to the military.
  • De la Espriella aims to build a "Miracle Homeland" and emphasized his commitment to the armed forces.

Abelardo de la Espriella, a far-right lawyer, assumed the presidency of Colombia in an unconventional ceremony held in Cali, deliberately breaking with tradition and protocol. The 48-year-old president marked his inauguration by moving the event from the capital, Bogotá, to Cali, the capital of the Valle del Cauca department, signaling a desire for decentralization. He further deviated from norms by delivering his first presidential address to the military at a battalion, fulfilling a campaign promise to "pay homage" to the armed forces.

Today is a great day for democracy, Colombia was saved and we are going to build the 'Miracle Homeland' together.

— Abelardo de la EspriellaStated during his inauguration speech.

The four-and-a-half-hour inauguration ceremony took place at the USC Arena of the Universidad Santiago de Cali. It featured a lengthy red carpet procession for special guests, including Spain's King Felipe VI and various Latin American presidents, drawing comparisons to entertainment industry events. Following his oath to uphold the Constitution and the law, De la Espriella was presented with the presidential sash by the Senate president.

To pay homage to them.

— Abelardo de la EspriellaExplaining his decision to deliver his first speech to the military.

A significant portion of the ceremony was dedicated to religious invocations and praise, a departure from the secular nature of Colombia's state. The program included a spiritual moment with dimmed lights, featuring a rendition of Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah' by singer Maía, illuminated by an image of the Virgin of Fátima. Prayers were offered by Rabbi David Michaan, evangelical pastor Eduardo Cañas Estrada, and Monsignor Francisco Múnera, president of the Colombian Episcopal Conference, who conveyed wishes for "well-being and blessings" and called for "unity for the entire nation."

Viva Colombia and viva Israel.

— Rabbi David MichaanConcluding his prayer during the inauguration ceremony.

While religious leaders delivered their messages, De la Espriella departed the auditorium for the Pichincha Military Canton. There, he addressed the troops, outlining his vision for a "Miracle Homeland" – "Patria Milagro" – and reinforcing his campaign pledges. His wife, Ana Lucía Pineda, and their four children accompanied him during the public appearances. De la Espriella expressed his belief that "Colombia was saved" and pledged to build the nation collaboratively.

Well-being and blessings.

— Monsignor Francisco MúneraConveying wishes for the new president and nation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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