Abelardo de la Espriella Sworn In as Colombia President

Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in on 7 August 2026 as the 36th President of Colombia for the 2026–2030 term. He succeeded Gustavo Petro, whose presidency was Colombia’s first left-wing administration at the national level.

Presidential Office in Colombia

The President of Colombia is the head of state and head of government under the 1991 Constitution of Colombia. The presidential term in Colombia lasts four years, and the office is filled through direct popular election.

2026 Presidential Election

De la Espriella won the runoff election held on 21 June 2026 with 12,960,166 votes, or 49.66 per cent of the vote. His opponent, Iván Cepeda of the Historic Pact, received 48.70 per cent of the vote in the final round.

Inauguration and Oath Ceremony

The inauguration ceremony was held at the USC Arena at Santiago de Cali University in Cali, instead of Bogotá. Senate President and Congress Speaker Honorio Henríquez administered the presidential oath, and De la Espriella later swore in Vice President José Manuel Restrepo.

Important Facts for Exams

• Colombia is a presidential republic in northern South America.
• The President of Colombia serves a four-year term under the 1991 Constitution.
• Gustavo Petro became Colombia’s first left-wing president in 2022.
• Runoff elections are used in Colombia when no candidate secures a majority in the first round.

Policy Positions and Security Assistance

In his inaugural address at the Pichincha Battalion military base, De la Espriella announced a hardline approach against drug trafficking. He also stated that peace talks with armed groups were exhausted and proposed reducing the size of the state by up to 40 per cent.

International Attendance at the Ceremony

King Felipe VI of Spain, Argentine President Javier Milei, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended the ceremony. Former Colombian presidents, including Juan Manuel Santos, were barred from attending the inauguration.

On 8 August 2026, the United States announced $1 billion in security assistance to Colombia. De la Espriella invited Luis Felipe Yagüé, a 74-year-old farmer and street vendor, as a guest of honour at the inauguration.