Colombia's new president to be sworn in today

CALI – Abelardo de la Espriella will be sworn in today, Friday, August 7, as Colombia's new president for the 2026-2030 term. The ceremony is scheduled to begin at around 3 p.m. Colombian time and will break with more than a century of tradition by taking place in Cali instead of Bogotá. Reports published today confirm the inauguration remains scheduled for the Valle del Cauca capital.

De la Espriella succeeds Gustavo Petro and enters office promising a tougher approach to security and armed groups, marking a significant political shift after Petro's four-year administration.

The ceremony at Cali's Arena USC will bring together Colombian authorities and international delegations. De la Espriella had initially proposed holding the inauguration at a military installation but later opted for the civilian venue in Cali following a dispute with Petro.

The inauguration will be available live through official Colombian government and congressional channels, public television and several national broadcasters.