Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has signed a new decree that allows people with legal permits to carry firearms to do so in public, removing a long-standing restriction. The change affects approximately 700,000 individuals who already have permits to own registered guns. Previously, even those with valid permits needed additional authorization to carry their firearms outside their homes. Now, as long as their permits are current, they can legally take their guns with them. De la Espriella, who campaigned on a tough stance against crime, argued that it was unfair for criminals to have access to weapons while law-abiding citizens could not defend themselves. The restriction on public gun carrying was first introduced in 2015 by then-President Juan Manuel Santos. It was meant as a temporary measure to improve security during the holiday season. However, it was renewed every year by Santos and by two later presidents from different political backgrounds: conservative Iván Duque and left-wing Gustavo Petro. Under the previous law, gun owners needed extra approval to carry their weapons outside the home. De la Espriella emphasized that the new decree removes a restriction that was never intended to be permanent. He assured that strict regulations on gun ownership would remain in place, and that the change would not lead to an uncontrolled situation. Senator Ariel Ávila from the Green Alliance Party criticized the move, calling it a "grave error." He argued that legal firearms could end up in the hands of criminals, creating an ethical dilemma. Ávila believes that only state forces should be allowed to carry guns and ensure public safety. De la Espriella defended the measure, stating it would not compromise national security. He noted that authorities are focusing on seizing illegal firearms and have already confiscated more than 15,000 this year. Most of these weapons, according to the president, were found in the possession of members of breakaway Farc rebel groups and the Gulf Clan criminal gang.