Colombia · 2026-W44 · Global Weekly Agenda

Colombia's De la Espriella orders temporary militarization of Cúcuta after attack near Venezuela border

First published Fri, Oct 30

President Abelardo De la Espriella ordered the temporary militarization of Cúcuta, the city on Colombia's border with Venezuela, following an attack near the frontier and several episodes of violence. De la Espriella said the measure is meant to recover control.1 2 3 4 5

The order was described as immediate and aimed at the crisis of public order in the city. Outlets reported the deployment as a response to the recent violence in the border area.2 3 4 5

De la Espriella framed the deployment as a step to restore control: "It is about recovering control," he said. The measure is temporary, according to the order reported.1

De La Espriella government files rescue bill cutting income tax and payroll and selling state assets

First published Fri, Oct 30

The government of Abelardo De La Espriella has filed a fiscal rescue bill in Congress. The package combines a tax overhaul with a cut to the public payroll, and it also provides for the sale of state assets.1 2 3

The bill lowers the income-tax threshold and changes the value-added tax, alongside higher consumption rates. It also includes refunds of the value-added tax.1 4

The proposal would shrink the state by eliminating 105 entities, a restructuring El Colombiano describes as a shake-up of the public administration.5

The bill was filed by the government of Abelardo De La Espriella, and outlets have published explainers on its tax changes and the points it covers.1 3

Deicy Jiménez reaffirms complaint against Petro at Supreme Court and offers to hand over her phone

First published Fri, Oct 30

Deicy Jiménez appeared before Colombia's Supreme Court and reaffirmed her complaint against President Gustavo Petro, in an inquiry that also names María José Pizarro. She said she would hand over her mobile phone and could provide around 40 names.1 2

The case centers on alleged sexual contracts in the Petro government. The Attorney General's Office summoned Jiménez to testify about those alleged contracts, and El Tiempo reported that Pizarro has not answered questions about Jiménez's contract and the alleged exchange of sexual favors.3 4

Petro opened a new line of attack against Carlos Ríos over the case of the 48 women, saying: "The DNI is not a Gestapo." The remark came as the court inquiry into Jiménez's allegations moved forward.5

Colombian judge orders Culture Ministry to restore removed National Museum works within 48 hours

First published Fri, Oct 30

Ruled paragraphs are attributed to the outlet named in them, not stated as established fact.

A judge ordered Colombia's Ministry of Culture to restore pieces that had been removed from the National Museum of Colombia, with 48 hours to comply with the tutela ruling. The order covers the rooms whose curatorial work was at issue.1 2 3

The ruling set a 48-hour deadline for the ministry to reintegrate the withdrawn works into the museum.1 2 3

Semana reported that the key point of the ruling is the phrase "the amparo does not impose," a line it singled out from the decision ordering restitution of the removed works.4

Attributed claim: Las2orillas described the removals as a dangerous cultural censorship that had taken hold at the National Museum, framing the court order as a response to it.5

US troops arrive at Tolemaida in Black Hawk helicopters as Antioquia bids to host joint drills

First published Fri, Oct 30

United States military personnel arrived at the Tolemaida air base in Cundinamarca for combined exercises with Colombia, landing in Black Hawk helicopters. More than 300 uniformed US personnel are part of the deployment.1 2 3

Antioquia is seeking to lead military training with the United States following the arrival of the US troops. Andrés Julián Rendón put forward the proposal, which reopens debate over foreign military presence in the country.3 4