Las razones por las que el Pacto Histórico no asistirá a la posesión de Abelardo De La Espriella

The opposition coalition Pacto Histórico has announced it will not attend the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Abelardo De La Espriella, citing concerns over his legitimacy. The event, scheduled for Friday, August 7, in Cali, will mark the official start of De La Espriella’s presidential term. According to statements released by the group, its members believe the new administration lacks the necessary political and institutional support to govern effectively. The decision was formally communicated through a video statement by Francisco Mondragón, a member of the House of Representatives representing the Valle del Cauca department. In the video, Mondragón stated that the Pacto Histórico would not send any congressmen to the inauguration because they view De La Espriella as lacking legitimacy. He emphasized that their vote against him during the election process reflects this stance. Mondragón explained that the absence of the opposition from the swearing-in ceremony is due to the belief that De La Espriella's presidency does not meet constitutional standards. He accused the president-elect of prioritizing foreign interests over national ones, arguing that this undermines the principle of national unity outlined in the Colombian Constitution. Additionally, he criticized the government’s approach to power distribution within the state, suggesting there is an attempt to elevate military authority above civilian leadership. Other members of the Pacto Histórico, including Congresswoman Alfredo Mondragón, echoed these sentiments. They pointed to the recent failures of the new administration in forming key congressional committees and highlighted the shift in the location of the swearing-in ceremony from the Cauca Department to Cali. This change, they argued, reflects a broader pattern of confrontation in the south-western region of the country. In response to the situation, the Pacto Histórico has called for peaceful civic mobilization across several cities, including Cali and Barranquilla. They have urged grassroots organizations to organize demonstrations aimed at preventing the transfer of national resources to external entities. The group has framed its actions as part of a larger strategy to challenge what it describes as the illegitimate nature of the current government. The opposition has also raised questions about the role of former President Álvaro Uribe’s political party, the Centro Democrático, which has aligned with the Pacto Histórico. Some members of the coalition have suggested that the alliance between the two groups is based on shared concerns regarding the direction of the country under De La Espriella’s leadership. As the date of the swearing-in approaches, tensions remain high. While the government has not yet responded directly to the opposition’s claims, it has continued to emphasize the importance of maintaining stability and continuity in governance. The coming days will likely see increased activity from both sides, with the Pacto Histórico preparing for its planned protests and the administration working to solidify its position in office.