Former President Álvaro Uribe Vélez announced his intent to return to the Colombian Senate in the 2026 elections, following the annulment of his conviction for bribery and procedural fraud. The Centro Democrático leader aims to bolster opposition alliances against the current government. This decision stems from a meeting with former President César Gaviria and other political figures.
The Superior Court of Bogotá recently annulled the 12-year house arrest sentence imposed on Álvaro Uribe Vélez for alleged bribery and procedural fraud, paving the way for his active political return. The 73-year-old former president and Centro Democrático leader confirmed his bid for a Senate seat in the 2026 legislative elections, marking his fourth term in Congress after leaving in 2020.
The announcement followed an in-person meeting with former President César Gaviria Trujillo of the Liberal Party, along with leaders from both parties. They discussed potential alliances and national projects, aiming to build a broad, inclusive democratic base coalition. Uribe described Gaviria as “very open” and highlighted their collaboration to defeat petrismo in the 2026 elections, which will select the new Congress and President.
In a press conference, Uribe mentioned phone talks with Germán Vargas Lleras of Cambio Radical, who contacted him the previous Saturday; they spoke openly and reconvened that same day. The proposal encompasses figures from Abelardo De La Espriella to Sergio Fajardo, seeking to unite the right with the center for a stronger position in the electoral consultations.
Uribe stated his preference not to lead the Centro Democrático list but to take a lower spot to “help push” other candidates. If he secures sufficient votes, he will resume active involvement in Colombia's legislative arena.