Colombian senator sworn in wearing white elephant costume

Colombia’s newest parliamentary session began with the swearing‑in of 102 senators, comprising 32 women and 69 men, alongside an unexpected participant: Luis Carlos Rúa, who entered the chamber dressed in a white, pot‑bellied plush costume that resembled a cartoon elephant. Rúa disclosed his identity only three days before the election, saying the delayed revelation was necessary for “his own safety.” He navigated the narrow central aisle of the historic Congress building before taking the oath of office, a moment that drew media attention across the nation.

Now seated on the senate floor, Rúa has pledged to focus his legislative work on combating graft, positioning anti‑corruption measures at the forefront of his agenda. His unconventional entrance, symbolized by the “Elefante blanco” moniker, underscores a broader call for transparency within Colombian politics, while his formal role as a senator marks a transition from protest to policy‑making.