We will help you: Democratic Center denied being at war with Abelardo De La Espriella and backed his government

Abelardo de la Espriella, the newly elected president of Colombia, has made a bold move to challenge the long-standing dominance of Bogotá in national politics. Since his campaign began, de la Espriella has positioned himself as a champion of regional empowerment, assembling a cabinet composed largely of individuals from outside the capital. Just weeks after securing victory in the second round of elections in Bogotá, he has initiated a series of regional coordination efforts and proposed that Barranquilla become an alternate capital. This initiative reflects a broader ideological struggle over how to decentralize power and move beyond the entrenched concept of "bogocentrism," which holds that all major decisions must pass through the capital. The proposal to designate Barranquilla as an alternate capital involves more than symbolic gestures. Inside the Paraiso Battalion in Barranquilla, renovations are underway to adapt one of three alternate sites where de la Espriella will conduct government business during his term. According to reports, over 400 workers have been engaged in these projects, working extended hours to complete the work before August 7, the date when de la Espriella is set to assume office. The renovations include improvements to access routes, landscaping around the entrance of the former military nursery building, and adapting the structure to mirror the layout of the Casa de Nariño, the presidential palace in Bogotá. Local officials have confirmed private sector contributions to the project. The governor of the Atlantic Department, Eduardo Verano, noted that local entrepreneurs such as the Dae brothers and Tecnoglass have contributed funds for specific elements like glass doors. These connections highlight the political alliances being formed as de la Espriella seeks to establish a new administrative framework. Beyond infrastructure, de la Espriella has announced plans to submit legislation recognizing Barranquilla as an official alternate capital. His decision to govern from the Palace of San Carlos, currently the seat of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, rather than the traditional Casa de Nariño, underscores this shift. Additionally, he has tasked the designated minister of Culture, Paola Holguín, with transforming the historic Casa de Nariño into a public museum. Meanwhile, the political landscape is evolving rapidly. The Conservative Party has declared itself the governing party for the 2026–2030 legislative period, aligning with de la Espriella's administration. This declaration was made by Efraín Cepeda, president of the Conservative Party, following a meeting among its congressional representatives. The decision marks a strategic alignment based on shared policy goals, including support for family values, private enterprise, order, and authority. This alignment is crucial given the fragile nature of the majority de la Espriella expects in Congress. While he has the backing of several parties, including the Salvation National Party, the Center Democratic Party, and Change Radical, the coalition faces potential challenges. The Urabismo faction, represented by the Center Democratic Party, has already demonstrated its ability to influence key legislative outcomes, such as the election of Honorio Henríquez as president of the Senate. This outcome was a setback for de la Espriella, who had supported Alfredo Deluque for the position. The distribution of committee chairmanships further complicates the political dynamics. Six of the 14 committee chairs are held by members of the Liberal Party and the Conservative Party, granting them leverage in negotiations with de la Espriella’s administration. Notably, Ape Cuello, a member of the Conservative Party and previously aligned with the outgoing Petro administration, has been appointed president of the Third Committee of the Chamber, a powerful position overseeing economic matters. His appointment highlights the complex web of alliances and rivalries shaping the new government. De la Espriella’s vision extends beyond administrative changes. He has confirmed that Barranquilla will serve as a permanent seat of government, with the Paraiso Battalion and the Customs House acting as operational bases. This move aims to bring the presidency closer to the regions and recognize the strategic role of the Caribbean coast in Colombia’s economic development. Additional alternate seats in Medellín and Cali are also planned to ensure a decentralized governance model. These developments have sparked discussions about the funding sources for the necessary infrastructure upgrades in Barranquilla. Senator Orlando De la Hoz from the Historical Pact has requested information from the Atlantic Department’s government regarding the financial origins of the renovation projects. Similarly, Barranquilla councilor Antonio Bohórquez has questioned whether the resources used come from security taxes, emphasizing the need for transparency in the allocation of public funds. As de la Espriella prepares to take office, the political landscape continues to evolve, marked by both strategic alliances and emerging tensions. The success of his decentralization initiatives will depend on navigating these complexities while maintaining broad support across the country’s diverse regions.