The Colombian House of Representatives approved a proposal to move the seat of Congress to Cali for the upcoming presidential inauguration [1].

This decision marks a rare departure from tradition, as presidential inaugurations typically take place in the capital city of Bogotá. Moving the ceremony to Cali reflects a specific request from the team of President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella to hold the event in a different venue [2].

The House passed the proposition with 117 votes in favor [1]. This legislative step is necessary to facilitate the logistical move of the government's legislative branch to the Valle del Cauca department for the ceremony scheduled for Aug. 7, 2026 [1].

While the House has given its approval, the decision is not yet final. The Senate of the Republic must now ratify the move before the relocation is officially confirmed [1].

The request to shift the location was formally submitted by the team of de la Espriella via a letter sent to legislative authorities earlier this month [2]. The move would require the coordination of security, and protocol services across different cities to ensure the transition of power occurs without disruption.

If the Senate approves the measure, Cali will serve as the temporary seat of the Colombian Congress for the duration of the inauguration events on Aug. 7 [1].

“The House passed the proposition with 117 votes in favor.”

The shift of a presidential inauguration from the capital to a regional city like Cali is a significant symbolic gesture. It suggests a desire by the incoming administration to signal a departure from the centralized power structures of Bogotá and may be intended to strengthen political ties with the Valle del Cauca region at the start of the new term.