The Senate and the House of Representatives begin a new legislative four-year period in a solemn session that will define the first decisions of the parliamentary agenda
Colombia begins this Monday, July 20, a new legislative period with the installation of the Congress of the Republic for the four-year period 2026-2030. This event coincides with the commemoration of the 216 years since the Cry of Independence and marks one of the last institutional appearances of Gustavo Petro as president, before the presidential transition scheduled for August 7.
The solemn session, which will take place from 3:00 pm in the Elliptical Hall of the National Capitol, will gather the new members of the Senate and the House of Representatives. During the day, the election of the Congressional boards of directors for the 2026-2027 legislature will also be a focal point, along with the debate on the initial issues that the new Legislature must address.
Alfredo Deluque added new support for the presidency of the Senate: the Liberal Party announced its support
The Senate bench of the community put the decision to a vote. Seeks to strengthen democratic dialogue and respect for institutions
The bid for the presidency of the Senate of the Republic is ongoing, with Senator Alfredo Deluque from the U Party appearing to have the edge. Deluque is competing against legislator Honorio Henríquez from the Democratic Center and has now secured the backing of the Liberal Party, enhancing his chances for election.
President Gustavo Petro will make his last intervention in Congress
In the agenda for the plenary session on July 20, 2026, Gustavo Petro is expected to deliver his last speech as president of Colombia, considering that his term concludes on August 7, 2026.
In his remarks, Petro is anticipated to reflect on his administration and present data about the policies implemented during his term. He will officially declare the installation of Congress sessions for the 2026 – 2027 period.
Paloma Valencia assured that the Democratic Center “earned” the Presidency of the Senate: “It is appropriate that they respect it”
The former congresswoman recalled that the community has the majority as a government party and that, in addition, it served as the opposition during the four years of Gustavo Petro’s administration.
On July 20, 2026, the installation of the Congress of the Republic will take place. Not only will there be new faces in the Senate and the House of Representatives, but the presidencies and boards of directors of both institutions will also be elected.
Jota Pe Hernández distanced himself from what Alianza Verde decides and advanced his vote for Honorio Henríquez for the presidency of Congress
The decision of the Santander senator, who justified his support as a recognition of the opposition made by the Democratic Center, has ignited the dispute over this position.
The vote for the presidency of the Senate, critical for guiding the legislative agenda during the 2026-2027 session, remains contested. On July 16, 2026, Senator Jota Pe Hernández publicly declared his support for Democratic Center candidate Honorio Henríquez, distancing himself from the coalition’s decisions, igniting further contention.
Colombia will experience a new installation of the Congress of the Republic: what it is and what is at stake for Abelardo de la Espriella
The legislative sessions for July 20 include the presence and speech of the outgoing president Gustavo Petro and the definition of the boards of directors of the upper and lower chambers of Congress
The Congress of the Republic in Colombia begins a new cycle this Monday, July 20, inaugurating the 2026-2030 legislative period with the representatives to the Chamber and senators who were elected during the elections held on March 8.
The last 10 presidents of the House of Representatives
- Julián David López Tenorio (2025–2026) – U Party
- Jaime Raúl Salamanca Torres (2024–2025) – Green Alliance
- Andrés David Calle Aguas (2023–2024) – Liberal Party
- David Ricardo Racero Mayorca (2022–2023) – Historical Pact
- Jennifer Kristin Arias Falla (2021–2022) – Democratic Center
- Germán Alcides Blanco Álvarez (2020–2021) – Conservative Party
- Carlos Alberto Cuenca Chaux (2019–2020) – Radical Change
- Alejandro Carlos Chacón Camargo (2018–2019) – Liberal Party
- Rodrigo Lara Restrepo (2017–2018) – Radical Change
- Miguel Ángel Pinto Hernández (2016–2017) – Liberal Party
The last 10 presidents of the Senate in Colombia
- Lidio García Turbay (2025–2026) – Liberal Party
- Efraín Cepeda Sarabia (2024–2025) – Conservative Party
- Iván Name Vásquez (2023–2024) – Green Alliance
- Alexander López Maya (2023) – Democratic Pole / Historical Pact (took office after the annulment of the election of Roy Barreras)
- Roy Barreras Montealegre (2022–2023) – Historical Pact
- Juan Diego Gómez Jiménez (2021–2022) – Conservative Party
- Arturo Char Chaljub (2020–2021) – Radical Change
- Lidio García Turbay (2019–2020) – Liberal Party
- Ernesto Macías Tovar (2018–2019) – Democratic Center
- Efraín Cepeda Sarabia (2017–2018) – Conservative Party
A few days before the installation of the new Congress of the Republic for the period 2026 – 2030, the different political groups are defining their support for the candidates for the Presidencies of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Alfredo Deluque is leading the charge for the Senate presidency as he secures alliances ahead of the congressional installation. Key political groups are solidifying their support, which could dramatically influence legislative directions in the upcoming years.
Álvaro Uribe highlighted Honorio Henríquez
In his statements, the former president emphasized Henríquez’s dedication and distinctive traits.
“Honorio is a dedicated and hardworking senator, he is loyal and coherent, he has made opposition with arguments and respect, he is a guarantor, and fundamentally a GREAT HUMAN BEING,” commented the former Colombian president, signifying Henríquez’s suitability for presidency.
