De la Espriella insists on military inauguration despite Petro's opposition

Colombia's president-elect, Abelardo de la Espriella, has declared his intention to be sworn into office on August 7th at a military garrison in the country's south. This move directly challenges outgoing President Gustavo Petro's explicit order against using any military facility for the inauguration.

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The Colombians can be sure that I will fulfill my promise. I am going to take office in the south of the country in a military garrison to pay a solemn tribute to the heroes of the homeland and to the uniformed personnel who protect democracy, the freedom, the institutionalism

De la Espriella, who has shown strong affinity with the military during his campaign, stated his plan is to "pay a solemn tribute to the heroes of the homeland and to the uniformed personnel who protect democracy, freedom, and institutionalism." His insistence on a military setting underscores the significant role he intends the armed forces to play in his administration.

However, President Petro, asserting his authority as supreme commander of the military until his term ends, has decreed that "no military establishment shall serve for the inauguration of a president of the Republic of Colombia." This creates a direct standoff between the incoming and outgoing leaders.

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I am the supreme commander of the military forces until August 7 and as such I have ordered that no military establishment serve for the inauguration of a president of the Republic of Colombia

Facing this impasse, De la Espriella has appealed to the incoming Congress, set to convene on July 20th. He urged lawmakers to "make the correct decision to fulfill that mandate from the people" and allow his inauguration at a military garrison. He framed it as an opportunity for Congress to demonstrate its commitment to working harmoniously and faithfully representing the voters who supported his vision of a "miracle homeland."

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You have, congressmen, the opportunity to show the country that you are willing to work in harmony, always facing the people, with open cards, without backroom negotiations and faithfully interpreting those who voted for a 'miracle homeland,' built by all of us, but without politicking or corruption

The Colombian Constitution mandates that presidential inaugurations take place before Congress. While traditionally held in the Capitol building or the Plaza de Bolívar, De la Espriella's proposal for a military garrison is unprecedented. He has also addressed concerns about logistical and security challenges, promising an "austere" ceremony free from the "waste" he attributes to the outgoing administration.

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I want an austere inauguration, without waste (...) I am not going to legalize the waste to which the corrupt politicking of the outgoing government is accustomed. I am not going to respond to grievances either, but I assure you that my inauguration will be in the south of the country