On July 20, the President of Colombia, Iván Duque, opened formal Congress sessions using virtual means for the first time in the country’s history. During his speech, he reviewed the health and socioeconomic measures taken by the Executive in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and announced the intention to focus on cybersecurity measures and financial inclusion technologies.

Duque explained that over 17 digital transformation initiatives will be implemented in collaboration with the private sector in the context of “a modern regulatory framework for the country.” The areas included are remote working, the digitalization of State services, cyber-security and the deepening of electronic commerce, as well as mechanisms conducive to telemedicine, virtual education, and technologies for financial inclusion.

During Monday’s sessions, the congressmen elected new boards of directors. Lidio García (Liberal – Independent Party) handed over the presidency of the Senate to Arturo Char (Cambio Radical – allied with the ruling party) and Carlos Cuenca Chaux (Cambio Radical – allied with the ruling party) transferred the presidency of the House to Germán Blanco Álvarez (Partido Conservador – allied with the ruling party).