First Lady of Colombia

First Lady of Colombia
Incumbent
Verónica Alcocer

since August 7, 2022
StyleMadam First Lady
ResidenceCasa de Nariño
Inaugural holderSoledad Román de Núñez
FormationApril 1, 1886 (1886-04-01)
Websitefirstlady

First Lady of Colombia (First Lady of the Nation) is the title and role held by the hostess of the Casa de Nariño. This is usually the wife of the president of Colombia, during the president's term in office.[1][2]

Verónica Alcocer is the current first lady of Colombia, in role since August 2022 as the wife of President Gustavo Petro.

Origins and role

The first lady is not elected by the people of Colombia. There are no official jobs she is officially required to perform and she is not paid for being the first lady.[3][4] The first lady is often involved in political campaigns and managements of the Casa de Nariño and participate in social causes. They also represent the president at official and ceremonial occasions and accompany the president on foreign summits and events.[5][6]

Office of the First Lady

According to the Colombian legal system, the first lady is a private citizen, which prevents her from having her own office and staff. Therefore, since 1994 the office has been without functions although it continues to exist in a ceremonial manner.[7]

Causes and initiatives

Since the 1930s, several first ladies have stood out for being promoters of social issues that have no interference in the country's political area. A staff supports her agenda.

References

  1. "Concepto 015491 de 2020 Departamento Administrativo de la Función Pública, Primera Dama de la Nacíon". Función Publica. 15 January 2020. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  2. "¿Qué hace la primera dama en Colombia? Funciones y responsabilidades del cargo". Colombia.As. 27 September 2022. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  3. "¿Cuáles son las funciones de la Primera Dama en Colombia?". Canal Capital. 24 May 2022. Retrieved 25 May 2025.
  4. Mercado, Luisa (23 March 2021). "En el Congreso proponen que desaparezca la figura de la Primera Dama". El Tiempo. Retrieved 26 March 2022.
  5. "¿Cuáles son las funciones de la primera dama en Colombia?". Semana. 26 September 2022. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  6. "¿Qué funciones cumple la primera dama en Colombia?". Blu Radio. 25 September 2022. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  7. "Acaban con Despacho de la Primera Dama". El Tiempo. March 11, 1994. Retrieved May 2, 2024.