Colombia's de la Espriella sworn in as president in Cali
Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in as president of Colombia in Cali on Friday, marking the first time a Colombian leader has taken office outside Bogotá. He delivered his first speech at an army battalion rather than before Congress, departing from institutional tradition.
Abelardo de la Espriella took the oath of office as Colombia's president in Cali on Friday, according to MercoPress. The ceremony marked the first time in the country's history that a presidential inauguration took place outside the capital, Bogotá.
Rather than addressing Congress first, as is customary, de la Espriella delivered his inaugural address at an army battalion, speaking directly to military personnel. The choice of venue and audience departed from the institutional sequence typically followed by incoming Colombian presidents.
The relocation to Cali and the military-focused address have drawn attention from analysts tracking the new administration's early signals on security policy and regional outreach. Congress is expected to hold its own session to formally receive the new president in the coming days.
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