NewsWPLG Local 10 – EspañolAugust 6, 2026Miami-Dade
Cali increases security ahead of President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella's inauguration
Authorities in Cali have deployed military tanks and police checkpoints ahead of Friday's presidential inauguration of conservative Abelardo de la Espriella, following the discovery of an explosives-laden bus on a route leading to the city. The event, held outside the capital for the first time, faces planned protests from citizens who oppose the incoming president's pledge to reverse the peace policies of his predecessor, Gustavo Petro.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10 – EspañolWhy It Matters
The inauguration marks a significant shift in Colombian national policy, as President-elect de la Espriella has promised to abandon the peace-building approach of former President Gustavo Petro in favor of a 'hard-line' strategy against illegal armed groups.
Key Facts
- President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella plans to reverse the peace policy established by his predecessor, Gustavo Petro.
- Authorities discovered an explosives-laden bus on a route to Cali, allegedly sent by FARC dissidents.
- The inauguration will take place at the Universidad Santiago de Cali, which has a capacity of over 2,000 people.
- Protesters are organizing to protect a 10-meter 'Resist' monument in Puerto Resistencia, which de la Espriella has previously threatened to remove.
- The 2021 anti-government protests resulted in over 40 deaths, according to the United Nations.
- Cali was chosen for the inauguration despite the city voting primarily for progressive candidate Iván Cepeda.