Abelardo de la Espriella, a conservative, took the oath of office as Colombia’s president in the southwest city of Cali. This choice of location marks a departure from tradition and signals his firm stance against illegal armed groups in the area. At 48, de la Espriella steps into the role after narrowly defeating Sen. Iván Cepeda, an ally of outgoing president Gustavo Petro, in the recent election.
De la Espriella, inexperienced in public office, ran as an outsider, funding his campaign with personal resources amassed from his career as a lawyer and businessman. His inauguration at a university auditorium before Congress marks a continued shift to the right in the region. It was attended by figures such as King Felipe VI of Spain, acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and several Latin American presidents including Argentina’s Javier Milei.
Post-ceremony, de la Espriella plans to visit a military battalion in Cali. There, he will bolster troop morale and issue a stern warning to illegal armed groups, urging them to surrender or face military action.
Known as “El Tigre” or “The Tiger,” de la Espriella advocates for discontinuing negotiations with armed groups, viewing the peace process as ineffective. The ceremony’s security was paramount, with stringent checks to prevent threats. The region faces challenges due to illegal economies, like drug trafficking, involving actors such as dissident Revolutionary Armed Forces factions, the Clan del Golfo cartel, and the National Liberation Army.
De la Espriella, a Colombian-American, enters leadership with backing from former U.S. President Donald Trump amidst growing regional challenges related to crime, immigration, and the economy. His presidency supports a conservative shift in Latin America.
The new president envisions aligning Colombia with the “Shield of the Americas,” a coalition to combat drug trafficking established in a Trump-led summit. Additionally, he plans to restore diplomatic ties with Israel while cutting them with Cuba and Nicaragua, labeling them as oppressive regimes.
De la Espriella faces strong opposition from Petro, who has criticized the election for alleged fraud, accusations dismissed by observers. Despite leaving office, Petro vows to challenge de la Espriella, motivating movements to prepare for resistance and defend against potential repression.
Amidst strained dynamics, Cali has seen protests, especially from Petro supporters who favored Cepeda. Demonstrations spread to Bogota and Barranquilla as well, reflecting societal tensions. Amanda Castro, a local merchant, expressed her hope for peaceful demonstrations amidst divided opinions in Cali.