On 2026-09-01, Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella swore in nine new magistrates of the National Electoral Council (CNE) in a ceremony in Barranquilla. ^[1] President Abelardo De La Espriella said on 2026-09-01 that the CNE's main responsibility is to protect Colombians' confidence in elections and ensure that results faithfully reflect the will expressed at the polls. ^[2] The Colombian government approved on 2026-09-01 a $21.9 trillion cut to the 2026 national budget in the Council of Ministers, aiming to reduce the fiscal deficit. ^[3] Colombia's National Electoral Council (CNE), which supervises the electoral activity of parties and political movements, is now composed predominantly of center-right forces. ^[4] President De La Espriella described as grave a warning by the procurador (inspector general) about an alleged risk to the electoral calendar, and questioned unfounded suspicion about the transparency of election results. ^[5] Gómez announced that the Colombian government will present an 'economic rescue law' focused on reducing spending and finding efficiencies, not a traditional tax reform focused on raising taxes. ^[6] Gómez said the Colombian government receives about $29 trillion monthly while spending about $40 trillion, a gap covered by debt that cannot be sustained indefinitely. ^[7] With the approved cut, Colombia's primary deficit for 2026 is projected to fall to 3.3% of GDP from 4.4% without the adjustment. ^[8]