Government activated plan to ensure pension payments despite $5.4 trillion deficit for the remainder of 2026: “Our pensioners’ money is sacred”

The government has activated a financial plan to ensure the payment of pension stipends (mesadas) following a reported deficit of $5.4 trillion for the remainder of 2026. Minister of Work Natalia López addressed concerns regarding whether the administration of Abelardo de la Espriella will be able to fulfill timely pension disbursements, emphasizing that the funds for pensioners are sacred.

Simultaneously, the administration faces political pressure surrounding the leadership of Colpensiones. Carlos René Montoya resigned from his position as president of the state pension administrator just three days after taking office. His departure followed intense questioning in the Senate regarding his lack of responses about the system's budget and operational functioning, prompting figures like Andrés Forero to demand the appointment of a successor capable of meeting the institution's heavy challenges.