De La Espriella meets Antioquia mayors, outlines key decisions

President-elect Abelardo De La Espriella held a five-hour meeting with all 125 mayors of Antioquia in Medellín on July 21, 2026, as part of the regional transition process. The meeting, which included several designated ministers, resulted in key appointments and agreements on security, infrastructure, and energy. Source: eltiempoco

Key Appointments and Decisions

De La Espriella announced that projects presented by mayors will be evaluated, with results due on September 15. Source: eltiempoco He named Mauricio Tobón Franco as ambassador to Mexico and David Santiago Tamayo Roldán as director of the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD). Source: elcolombiano He also declared the Palacio de la Cultura in Medellín as an alternate seat of the Presidency and confirmed Medellín as the venue for ProColombia and the Escudo de las Américas. Source: eltiempoco

Security and Energy Proposals

Governor Andrés Julián Rendón requested a high-value target operation, "Operación Cazador," against 19 criminal leaders, which De La Espriella supported, stating, "vuelven los bombardeos." Source: infobae (first) A drone spraying pilot for coca eradication will begin on August 8. Source: infobae (first) Rendón also proposed advancing clocks by one hour to save energy, citing potential savings of 2-7% of national demand. The reactivation of the Ferrocarril de Antioquia from Bello to Puerto Berrío was discussed, with interest from US agencies.