Colombia's Minister of Defense, Pedro Sánchez, recognized Abelardo de la Espriella as the president-elect of the country on Thursday [1].
The acknowledgment marks a significant break from the current administration's stance, as the defense ministry distances itself from President Petro’s refusal to accept the election results [2].
During a defense-sector accountability session in Bogotá on July 9, 2026 [1], Sánchez said that the armed forces will guarantee a peaceful transition and uphold the Constitution during the upcoming hand-over [2]. The minister said that the military's role is to ensure the constitutional process is followed regardless of political disputes.
"Abelardo de la Espriella is the president elect," Sánchez said [3].
Sánchez said that the legal status of the incoming leader is already established by the proper channels. "The authorities have already said who the president is as of August 7," he said [1].
The transition of power is scheduled for Aug. 7, 2026 [1]. By affirming the legitimacy of the president-elect, the defense minister has signaled that the security apparatus of the state will not interfere with the scheduled transfer of authority.
"The president as of August 7 is De la Espriella," Sánchez said [3].
This public declaration comes at a time of heightened political tension. The defense ministry's commitment to a constitutional transition serves as a stabilizing measure to prevent potential unrest as the August deadline approaches [2].
“"Abelardo de la Espriella is the president elect."”
The public recognition of Abelardo de la Espriella by the Minister of Defense suggests a critical fracture between the Colombian military leadership and President Petro. Because the armed forces control the physical security of the state, Sánchez's commitment to the Aug. 7 transition effectively neutralizes the possibility of the current administration using the military to block the transfer of power.
