President-elect Abelardo De la Espriella held his first working meeting with 11 designated ministers in Barranquilla on Friday, July 10 [1], [2].
This initial council of ministers serves as the formal start of the transition process. By assembling his cabinet before the official handover of power, De la Espriella aims to synchronize his administration's priorities and ensure a rapid start to governance upon taking office.
The meeting took place in Barranquilla, where the president-elect was joined by the city's mayor, Alejandro Char. The gathering focused on defining the strategic goals of the incoming government as it prepares for the formal inauguration scheduled for Aug. 7 [3].
De la Espriella emphasized a sense of urgency regarding the transition. "Aquí no hay flojera," he said [4].
The president-elect signaled that his administration intends to hit the ground running immediately after the transition period ends. He said that this meeting represents the beginning of his government and that his team will work without rest [5].
Mayor Alejandro Char expressed his support for the initiative, noting his satisfaction in participating in the first encounter with the president-elect and his designated team [6].
The council of ministers focused on the logistics of the transition, and the immediate policy priorities that will be tackled once the administration is seated. The presence of the 11 designated ministers [2] allows the president-elect to finalize the structure of his executive branch before the official swearing-in ceremony.
“"Aquí no hay flojera"”
The decision to convene a full council of ministers before the official inauguration suggests a strategy of 'aggressive readiness.' By bypassing the typical slow-burn transition period, De la Espriella is attempting to minimize the administrative lag that often follows a change in leadership, signaling to both the public and political opponents that his policy agenda is already finalized and ready for implementation.
