Inauguration of Abelardo de la Espriella
2026 Colombian presidential inauguration
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Abelardo de la Espriella's inauguration as the 38th President of Colombia will take place on Friday, August 7, 2026, marking the beginning of his four-year term as president and José Manuel Restrepo as vice president.[1][2][3] The 37th presidential inauguration is expected to take place in the central front of the National Capitol of Colombia in Bogotá, D.C..[4][5][6]
38th president of Colombia
— Assuming office
José Manuel Restrepo
14th vice president of Colombia
— Assuming office
TBD
President of the Senate
— Administering oath
Gustavo Petro
37th president of Colombia
— Leaving office
| Date | August 7, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Time | TBD (COST) |
| Location | |
| Participants | Abelardo de la Espriella 38th president of Colombia — Assuming office José Manuel Restrepo 14th vice president of Colombia — Assuming office TBD President of the Senate — Administering oath Gustavo Petro 37th president of Colombia — Leaving office |
Context
The ceremony will mark the end of the presidential transition period for Abelardo de la Espriella, who became president-elect after defeating the candidate of the Historic Pact, Iván Cepeda, on June 21, 2026.[7][8] The victory of De La Espriella and his running mate, José Manuel Restrepo, was confirmed by the National Electoral Council, which later issued the official certification on June 25, 2026, formalizing the election.[9][10][11][12]
The election saw the highest voter turnout in the history of Colombian presidential elections. De La Espriella will become the second president from Córdoba, after Gustavo Petro (his predecessor). José Manuel Restrepo becomes the fourth vice president born in Bogotá, D.C.; the last was Germán Vargas Lleras (2014-2017).
Planning
The platform is expected to be installed on the central frontis of the National Capitol of Colombia, a tradition rooted since 1990 and only interrupted in 2002. However, De La Espriella previously announced that he would hold it at a garrison in order to honor the Military Forces of Colombia.[13][14][15]
Attendees
All living former presidents are expected to participate, although it is not mandatory; they are expected to attend the inauguration of a Incoming president. Outgoing President Gustavo Petro will not attend the ceremony; his role as outgoing president takes place at the Casa de Nariño during his farewell and welcome to the president, an event that occurs at the end of the ceremony after the oath of office.
