President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella has requested that his inauguration ceremony be moved from Popayán to Cali [1].
The relocation of the event reflects a sudden shift in logistics for the transition of power, raising questions about security and public accessibility in the Valle del Cauca region.
De la Espriella made the request on the night of July 26 [1]. He cited climate conditions caused by ash from the Puracé volcano as the primary reason for the change [2]. "Por condiciones climáticas, solicito que mi posesión sea en Cali y no en Popayán," de la Espriella said [1].
The ceremony is scheduled for Aug. 7, 2026 [1]. This request follows a proposal already filed in Congress between July 22 and July 23 [3].
Local officials are now debating the exact venue within Cali. Mayor Alejandro Eder proposed the historic Plaza Cayzedo for the event [4]. "El acto tendrá como escenario la histórica Plaza Cayzedo," Eder said [4].
However, some officials continue to debate whether the ceremony should remain an open-air event at the plaza or move to a closed municipal theater to ensure better control [5]. Dilian Francisca Toro described the potential move to Cali as "un gesto histórico y simbólico," she said [6].
While some reports indicate the ceremony was originally planned for Popayán, other accounts suggest the protocol act was initially intended for the Valle del Cauca region [2]. The final decision on the venue remains pending as security coordinators evaluate the risks associated with a massive public gathering in the city center [5].
“"Por condiciones climáticas, solicito que mi posesión sea en Cali y no en Popayán."”
The decision to move the inauguration to Cali, a major urban center, suggests a desire for a more symbolic and high-visibility start to the presidency. While the Puracé volcano's ash provides a practical justification, the shift to a city like Cali allows the president-elect to engage with a larger population and different political power brokers than those in Popayán.
