Centro Democrático, one of Colombia's most influential political parties, has officially declared its support for Abelardo De La Espriella as the government's legislative backer following his victory in the recent presidential election. On Tuesday, June 23, 2026, the party announced that its 47 members in Congress would act as the governing bloc for De La Espriella’s administration. This decision was made under the leadership of Álvaro Uribe Vélez, the founder of the party, along with Gabriel Vallejo, the national director, and Paloma Valencia, the political spokesperson. The declaration came after internal discussions among the party’s congressional representatives, who emphasized their alignment with De La Espriella’s proposed policies.
The party outlined a detailed legislative agenda aimed at supporting De La Espriella’s presidency. Key priorities include restoring public safety, reducing criminal impunity, revitalizing the healthcare system, lowering property tax costs, implementing pension reforms that consider private contributions, and revising the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) to provide legal certainty for the armed forces. Additionally, the agenda includes efforts to resolve the crisis in the mining and energy sectors, improve access to credit for small businesses, reduce taxes, promote quality education focused on employment and entrepreneurship, clean up public finances, reactivate housing construction, strengthen sports and culture, protect the environment, and create conditions for economic growth and opportunity for all Colombians.
This move signals a strategic alliance between the Center Democratic Party and De La Espriella, who has been seeking broad legislative support since his election. Other parties that supported De La Espriella during the campaign, such as Cambio Radical and the Liberal Party, are also expected to declare their backing in the coming weeks. The Conservative Party and Salvación Nacional have already expressed their support, indicating they may follow suit. These alliances are crucial for De La Espriella, whose initial legislative backing appears limited, given that he enters office with only four senators and one representative from Salvación Nacional.
Despite the formal announcement of support, tensions persist within the political landscape. Álvaro Uribe, the former president and leader of the Center Democratic Party, has publicly clashed with Carlos Suárez, a close advisor to De La Espriella. According to documents shared by Uribe, Suárez allegedly facilitated meetings between Piedad Córdoba and Iván Cepeda with extradited ex-paramilitary leaders to inquire about De La Espriella in relation to a case involving witness bribery. This accusation has reignited old disputes between the two figures, with Suárez responding to Uribe’s claims by calling him a "dinosaur" and stating that "his fossils won't scare me either."
Uribe further criticized Suárez, labeling him a "thief," "coward," and accusing him of using "dirty political marketing" to rehabilitate his image. He also highlighted how Suárez used a company to finance defamatory videos linking his family to business dealings with the party. In response, Suárez defended himself, asserting that he had acted strategically to assist De La Espriella's campaign.
These internal conflicts come at a critical time as De La Espriella prepares to assume the presidency on August 7. His initial legislative support remains uncertain, as he starts with a relatively small number of allies in Congress. With only 21 senators and 31 representatives in the House of Representatives, De La Espriella must quickly build broader coalitions to ensure effective governance. The Center Democratic Party, which will take over the second-largest senatorial block in July, plays a pivotal role in this effort. However, the ongoing tensions between Uribe and Suárez could complicate these negotiations, especially as both sides seek to assert influence over the new administration's direction.
The situation reflects the complex dynamics within Colombian politics, where historical rivalries and ideological alignments often shape legislative strategies. While De La Espriella aims to consolidate power through alliances, the challenges posed by internal divisions and the need for legislative support remain significant hurdles. As the new administration takes shape, the interplay between De La Espriella's policies and the political maneuvering of his supporters will be crucial in determining the success of his governance.
4 reports
La Silla VacíaIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 8014 days agoFollowing Abelardo de la Espriella's victory in the preliminary count, the Centro Democrático has announced plans to form a coalition with the uribismo movement and other political forces in Congress. The party emphasized its intention to create a legislative agenda aligned with the new government to address Colombian citizens' issues. However, de la Espriella starts with limited congressional representation, having only four senators and one representative through Salvación Nacional. The Centro Democrático, which holds the second-largest Senate bloc with 17 members, is expected to play a key role in these negotiations. Meanwhile, parties like the Conservative Party, Cambio Radical, and La U have united behind de la Espriella after the first round. Notably, de la Espriella did not mention uribismo in his speech and had shown indifference toward Álvaro Uribe during the campaign. Old tensions between Uribe and Carlos Suárez, de la Espriella’s strategist, have resurfaced, with Uribe alleging that Suárez facilitated contact between former paramilitary figures and politicians related to de la Espriella's legal case involving witness bribery.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both the formation of a potential political coalition and the resurgence of old conflicts between political factions. It includes perspectives from multiple parties and individuals involved, providing a balanced view of the situation without overtly favoring any side. The tone,措
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 80): This article presents the post-election developments regarding Abelardo de la Espriella’s victory and the potential coalition-building efforts by the uribismo. It cites official statements from the Centro Democrático and mentions the political alliances formed. The tone remains neutral, though it em
La Silla VacíaIndependentConservativeFactual 88Objective 7513 days ago In a fight with Abelardo's advisor, Uribismo declares itself the ruling partyThe Centro Democrático, led by Gabriel Vallejo, has declared itself a governing party ahead of its formal congressional session, despite not yet receiving confirmation from President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella regarding coalition formation. The party plans to establish a legislative agenda focused on restoring security, reforming healthcare, reducing property taxes, and restructuring the Jurisdicción Especial para la Paz (JEP), which was previously criticized during the tenure of former president Iván Duque. Meanwhile, tensions have arisen between Álvaro Uribe and Carlos Suárez, a close advisor to de la Espriella, over allegations that Suárez facilitated contact between high-profile figures and extradited ex-paramilitaries related to a corruption case involving witness tampering. Uribe has publicly accused Suárez of unethical political practices, while de la Espriella’s team has defended him. Despite these internal conflicts, de la Espriella begins his presidency with limited congressional support, holding only four senators and one representative through the Salvación Nacional movement.
Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the Centro Democrático as a governing party aligned with the ideological principles of President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella, emphasizing their shared legislative goals such as strengthening law enforcement, reforming the JEP, and reducing property taxes. It highlights Álvaro U
Why these scores (Factual 88 · Objective 75): The article details the declaration of the Centro Democrático as a governing bloc supporting Abelardo de la Espriella. It includes quotes from party officials and outlines their legislative agenda. While factual, it leans slightly towards portraying the Centro Democrático as a proactive force, using
La Silla VacíaIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 6513 days ago ósFossil, solapado, bandido: the fight between Uribe and Carlos Suárez is still going onThe article discusses an ongoing feud between former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe and Carlos Suárez, a close ally of Abelardo de la Espriella, who won the preliminary vote count. Uribe accused Suárez of orchestrating meetings with extradited ex-paramilitaries to investigate him in relation to a bribery case involving witnesses. Suárez denied these claims and countered by calling Uribe a 'fossil' and accusing him of using 'dirty political marketing' to clean his image. The conflict has reignited tensions between Uribe’s faction, known as the uribismo, and de la Espriella’s campaign. Uribe’s allies have rallied behind him, warning against provocations and emphasizing their commitment to supporting Uribe and opposing any disrespect toward his congressional bloc. This dispute occurs amid efforts by the uribismo to form a legislative coalition.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both sides of the argument without overtly favoring one over the other. It includes direct quotes from both Uribe and Suárez, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions. There is no clear bias in the language used or the selection of sources, which appear balanced.
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 65): The article accurately reports the ongoing conflict between Uribe and Carlos Suárez, referencing specific statements and tweets from both sides. It provides context about past accusations and the current political tensions. However, it uses emotionally charged terms like 'fósil', 'bandido' and 'sola
SemanaIndependentCenter13 days agoThe Centro Democrático party announced on June 23 that it will serve as the governing bloc in the Congress under President-elect Abelardo De La Espriella. The party emphasized alignment with De La Espriella’s platform, which focuses on restoring security, promoting economic growth, reducing crime, improving healthcare, and implementing reforms such as tax reductions and pension adjustments. The party outlined legislative priorities including combating impunity, strengthening the justice system, addressing mining and energy crises, supporting small businesses, and advancing education and environmental protection. Other parties that supported De La Espriella during the election campaign, such as Cambio Radical and the Liberal Party, are expected to join this coalition in the coming weeks.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the announcement of Centro Democrático joining De La Espriella's government coalition in a neutral tone, focusing on their stated policy goals and potential support from other parties. There is no overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or omission of context. It reports on
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €5/month.
Become a Supporter
CO
