Abelardo's headquarters in Cali will not end cultural spaces, says Mayor's Office

The Colombian city of Cali has confirmed that the historic building housing the Fundación para la Educación Superior (FES) will serve as an alternate headquarters for President-elect Gustavo Petro’s administration, despite concerns over its impact on local cultural spaces. The structure, located in the heart of the city and designed by renowned architect Rogelio Salmona between 1985 and 1986, spans approximately 13,000 square meters and currently functions as a cultural center while also hosting several municipal departments. According to Julián Arteaga, head of the Secretariat of Culture, the facility will continue operating normally even after the president begins using it for official activities. The decision to use the site has sparked controversy among residents and cultural advocates. Green Party congressman Esteban Oliveros has launched a campaign on the Change.org platform to prevent the incoming president from holding office there. He argues that the move represents an attack on Cali's artistic core and threatens the city’s unique cultural identity. As of the latest update, more than 7,000 people have signed the petition. Oliveros emphasized that allowing Petro to operate from the location would cause unnecessary disruption, suggesting instead that military installations such as the Air Force Base or the Marco Fidel Suárez Military School, designed with different standards and purposes, would be more appropriate choices. Cali holds special significance for Petro, who has positioned the city as one of three alternative headquarters for his administration. It will also host the presidential inauguration ceremony scheduled for Friday. The event is expected to draw around 6,000 guests to the Arena USC at the University of Santiago de Cali. Among the confirmed attendees are leaders from the new wave of right-wing politics in Latin America, including Argentina’s Javier Milei, Chile’s José Antonio Kast, Ecuador’s Daniel Noboa, and Colombia’s Rodrigo Paz. International figures such as Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Spanish King Felipe VI, and FIFA president Gianni Infantino are also set to attend. The building’s dual role as both a cultural hub and a potential political base has raised questions about how these functions can coexist. Local officials insist that cultural services will remain unaffected, though critics argue that the presence of high-level government operations could overshadow the space’s artistic and historical value. The FES building has long been a focal point for community engagement, hosting exhibitions, performances, and educational programs. Whether this balance can be maintained amid increased political activity remains uncertain. Petro’s choice of Cali reflects broader efforts to decentralize power within Colombia, moving away from traditional centers like Bogotá. This strategy aligns with his vision of fostering regional development and strengthening ties with cities outside the capital. However, the selection of a culturally rich area for administrative purposes has drawn sharp criticism from some quarters, who see it as a symbolic shift that risks diluting the city’s distinct character. The upcoming inauguration is shaping up to be a major international event, drawing attention from across the region and beyond. With a diverse group of dignitaries expected to attend, the focus will likely shift toward diplomatic interactions and policy discussions. Meanwhile, the debate over the use of the FES building continues, highlighting tensions between political priorities and the preservation of cultural heritage in urban planning decisions. The city’s cultural institutions remain open and operational, but their future under the new administration is being closely watched. Local authorities have pledged to ensure that the building’s cultural functions are not compromised, yet the practical implications of hosting a presidential office alongside these activities are still unfolding. As the date approaches, the interplay between governance and culture in Cali is poised to become a defining issue for the city’s identity.