Petro gov't defends right to make UNP appointments until August 7

The outgoing government of Gustavo Petro and the incoming administration of president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella are at odds over a last-minute decree that changes hiring rules for protection officers at the Unidad Nacional de Protección (UNP). Vice president-elect José Manuel Restrepo asked the UNP to suspend all appointments under Decreto 0670 until the new government takes office on August 7, arguing that security decisions for the next president should not be made in the final days of the outgoing administration Source: infobae.

The decree

Issued on June 26, 2026, Decreto 0670 sets alternative education and experience requirements for the position of Oficial de Protección (code 3137) in the UNP, aiming to "promover condiciones amplias, equitativas y no discriminatorias de acceso" Source: portafolioco. Restrepo acknowledges the decree is legal and in force but says its timing and impact on the incoming government's security warrant caution Source: elcolombiano.

The reaction

Justice Minister Jorge Iván Cuervo rebuked Restrepo, reminding him that the Petro government retains full constitutional authority until August 7 and that failing to exercise it could lead to disciplinary action Source: infobae. President Petro himself tweeted that his term ends at midnight on August 6, adding that Restrepo was Duque's finance minister when Petro took office, implying the new team should not interfere Source: infobae. Meanwhile, some legal experts have urged Restrepo to use the moment to build a "doctrina constitucional de la transición presidencial" Source: infobae.