José Manuel Restrepo, the president-elect's vice president, requested that the Foreign Ministry avoid provisional diplomatic appointments until August 7, 2026. Outgoing President Gustavo Petro named the Finance Minister to coordinate the transition.
José Manuel Restrepo sent a letter to Foreign Minister Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio requesting that the ministry refrain from provisional appointments in embassies and consulates. The vice president-elect argued that such designations violate the principles of merit, morality and equality set out in article 209 of the Constitution.
Restrepo further warned that these actions create budget obligations for the incoming government and could lead to claims before the Comptroller General of the Republic. The document was issued as the handover process between the outgoing and incoming administrations moves forward.
Outgoing President Gustavo Petro named Finance Minister Germán Ávila to coordinate the transition team of the departing government. Petro recognized the election results and stated that his administration is prepared to begin an orderly and transparent process.
President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella appointed Restrepo to lead an Anti-Corruption Transition that will review public finances and the state of the administration. The incoming leader said he will not enter the Casa de Nariño until after his inauguration.
