Abelardo de la Espriella revealed that the senior citizen bonus is underfunded, and Gustavo Bolívar responded: “You have to set aside 15 trillion annually.”

On August 2, 2026, President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella reported that the Colombia Mayor program, which provides subsidies to the elderly, faces a significant funding deficit. De la Espriella stated that the program lacks 3.2 trillion pesos required to cover payments for the remainder of the year, characterizing the situation as a critical depletion of resources inherited from the outgoing administration.

In response, government officials addressed the fiscal challenge. Gustavo Bolívar challenged the President-elect to secure 15 trillion pesos annually to sustain the program, while President Gustavo Petro offered recommendations regarding the management of the shortfall. The exchange highlights a transition-period dispute over the fiscal viability and budget planning of the national social welfare program.