Petro Bans Military‑Base Inauguration for Colombia’s President‑Elect

Petro says the order enforces the constitution’s rule that inaugurations occur before Congress.

Overview

On Monday Petro publicly ordered that no military or police installation be used for the August 7 inauguration and said he remains Commander‑in‑Chief until the formal handover.
Abelardo De la Espriella has asked the incoming Congress to authorize a swearing‑in at a military guarnición and lacks a legislative majority to guarantee that approval.
De la Espriella suspended parts of the transition team and accused Petro of plotting to stay in power after the president alleged fraud in the election and planned a July 20 rally.
Legal experts cited in coverage say moving the oath to a military base would face complex logistics for transporting Congress and raise civil‑military risks because barracks are under the incumbent’s command.
The dispute spotlights a broader test of Colombia’s 1991 Constitution and deepens polarization ahead of the new Congress’s July 20 session and the scheduled August 7 transfer of power.