Outgoing Colombian President Gustavo Petro is set to address supporters on July 20, Colombia’s Independence Day, following his call for nationwide protests. In an announcement made on July 6, Petro invited his supporters to participate in what he characterized as a “general mobilisation to shout for independence and the continuation of social reforms” before delivering his farewell remarks.
The scheduled events occur as tensions persist surrounding last month’s presidential election and the transition of executive authority. President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella, who won the closely contested election by less than one percent of the vote, is scheduled to take office on August 7. The opening of the new Congress is set for July 20, which is less than three weeks before the formal transition date.
A significant point of contention involves the location of the inauguration ceremony. De la Espriella has requested to hold the oath-taking at a military base in southern Colombia rather than Congress in Bogota, stating it would allow him to “pay a solemn tribute to the heroes of the homeland and to the military personnel who protect democracy, freedom, and institutional stability.” Petro has firmly opposed this proposal, issuing an order on July 12 that prohibits the use of any military installation for the ceremony, asserting that such rules mandate the ceremony take place before Congress in session.
Petro has repeatedly contested the election results, claiming the process was compromised by fraud and foreign interference, though international observers reported finding no evidence of irregularities. He has accused foreign actors of manipulating data and specifically alleged Israeli involvement without providing evidence. Colombia’s Inspector General rejected these allegations. Despite promising a peaceful transition, Petro announced on Tuesday that he will not attend the August 7 inauguration.
De la Espriella has countered by accusing Petro, also without evidence, of attempting to orchestrate a “coup” to prevent his assumption of office. The president-elect has criticized Petro’s calls for civil disobedience as “urban terrorism” and pledged strict enforcement against any challenges to constitutional order. De la Espriella plans to restore diplomatic relations with Israel, announcing his intention to establish an embassy in Jerusalem and withdraw Colombian support from South Africa’s genocide case at the International Court of Justice.