Abelardo De La Espriella has appointed Didier Blanco as the new director of the National Protection Unit (UNP), according to a government statement. The announcement was made through a press release issued by the administration of the newly elected president. Blanco will officially take office on August 7, marking another step in the formation of De La Espriella’s cabinet. The move comes amid ongoing discussions over the location of the swearing-in ceremony, which the Senate approved to take place outside Bogotá. The appointment of Blanco follows a series of high-profile decisions by the incoming administration. In a separate development, the government announced that two Colombian activists, Manuela Bedoya and Luna Barreto, who were detained and deported by Israeli authorities while traveling to Gaza with humanitarian aid, will be released. This decision reportedly came after an order from a contractor affiliated with the UNP, despite the average waiting time for individuals seeking protection due to life-threatening risks being six months, with some cases stretching years without resolution. The Union of National Protection Workers, led by Yesid Barragán, has raised concerns about irregularities within the UNP. The union accuses the agency of misusing its discretionary powers to assign protection in politically motivated ways, bypassing necessary technical evaluations. Barragán highlighted that the UNP’s budget for 2026 is projected to reach 2.7 billion pesos, yet the entity already faces financial shortages, awaiting a one-billion-peso allocation from the Ministry of Finance. These issues have sparked broader criticism, particularly regarding the protection of political figures and public officials. For example, Senator Miguel César Triana recently alleged that his security detail was abruptly reduced following his departure from Congress, leaving him more vulnerable. Similar complaints have been voiced by other members of the outgoing legislature, who claim they lack access to armored vehicles while personnel in administrative roles receive such resources. The controversy surrounding the UNP extends beyond individual cases. The union argues that the agency has failed to meet basic operational requirements, including insufficient transportation for field missions. It also points to a pattern of allocating emergency protections to specific individuals without adhering to established protocols, raising questions about the transparency and fairness of the process. In response to these criticisms, the government has emphasized its commitment to reforming the UNP. A press team associated with the Patria Milagro movement described Blanco as a “simple and firm man” capable of restoring credibility and enforcing strict protocols. They praised his experience in security and protection, suggesting he would address corruption and clientelism within the organization. Meanwhile, De La Espriella has continued to outline his vision for governance, emphasizing policies aimed at improving the lives of the poor, strengthening security, combating corruption, promoting decentralization, and providing educational opportunities for young people. He has framed his agenda as a response to the nation's most pressing challenges, positioning himself as a leader focused on tangible outcomes rather than partisan politics. The upcoming swearing-in ceremony for De La Espriella’s cabinet, scheduled for August 7, represents a pivotal moment in Colombia’s political landscape. The decision to hold the event outside Bogotá reflects broader efforts to decentralize power and engage citizens directly. As preparations continue, the focus remains on ensuring that the new administration can effectively address the urgent demands of the population, including the need for reliable and equitable protection services.
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