Mayor Alejandro Eder reacted to President-elect Abelardo De La Espriella's decision to move his office to Cali: 'We are ready'

The president-elect of Colombia, Abelardo De La Espriella, has announced plans to relocate his inauguration ceremony from its originally scheduled venue to Cali, the capital of the Valle del Cauca department. The decision comes amid concerns over the activity of the Puracé volcano, which has raised fears of disruptions to air travel and logistical operations in the region. In response, Alejandro Eder, the mayor of Cali, expressed readiness to host the event and emphasized the city's preparedness to support all necessary arrangements for the presidential swearing-in. De La Espriella made the announcement during a live broadcast on Sunday, July 26, stating that the relocation is due to the conditions caused by the volcanic activity in the southwest of the country. He explained that the falling ash could affect both air traffic and the logistics of the event. “The weather conditions resulting from the volcanic activity in the southwest of the country and the potential impact of ashfall on air operations and the logistics of the event compel me to make a responsible decision,” he stated. Following the announcement, Eder responded via a video posted on his X account, welcoming De La Espriella to Cali and expressing gratitude for the gesture towards the city and the broader region. He noted that the region has long awaited greater attention from the national government and highlighted the readiness of local authorities to address key issues affecting the Valle del Cauca. “We are ready to work on security, infrastructure development, and above all, the well-being of our people,” he said. Eder further indicated that Cali is prepared to assist with all aspects of the inauguration and emphasized that hosting the event underscores De La Espriella’s commitment to the city, the Valle del Cauca, and the entire southwest of Colombia. According to reports, the mayor suggested that the Plaza de Cayzedo might serve as the venue for the ceremony, citing its suitability for ensuring the event's security and meeting the requirements of the Congress, which will need to convene there for the transition of power. In an interview with Blu Radio, Eder mentioned that while the Plaza de Cayzedo was proposed as a possible site, another location under consideration is the Valle del Pacífico Events Center. However, he clarified that the final decision would rest with De La Espriella and his team. The mayor reiterated that Cali stands ready to provide all necessary support for the event, reflecting the city's anticipation of increased governmental focus on the region. The move to hold the inauguration in Cali follows a history of major international events hosted in the city, including the COP16 climate summit, which took place in the Plaza de Cayzedo. Eder pointed to this precedent as evidence of the city’s capability to manage large-scale gatherings securely and efficiently. His comments underscore the significance of the event for the region and highlight the collaborative efforts between local and national authorities to ensure its success. As preparations continue, officials from both Cali and the national government are expected to coordinate closely to finalize the logistics of the inauguration. The choice of venue and the overall planning will reflect the balance between addressing the challenges posed by the volcanic activity and showcasing the readiness of the region to host such a pivotal moment in Colombian political life.