Abelardo De La Espriella, a 48-year-old right-wing lawyer, has been officially sworn in as the new president of Colombia. Known by the nickname "The Tiger," the incoming leader secured his position following a runoff election victory in June. De La Espriella, who has never previously held elected office, campaigned on a platform centered on a tough-on-crime approach, which includes the construction of mega-prisons similar to those in El Salvador and a proposal to cancel peace negotiations with rebel groups.
The inauguration ceremony marked a departure from tradition, taking place in the southwestern city of Cali rather than the legislative halls of Bogota. Outgoing leftist leader Gustavo Petro did not attend the event; he was seen leaving the presidential residence in the capital earlier that afternoon accompanied by his family and staff, stating, "I hope you remember us. Farewell, freedom and life."
De La Espriella, who holds dual citizenship in both Colombia and the United States, is an ally of former US President Donald Trump. His transition into power signals a potential shift in Colombian foreign and domestic policy. During his career as a lawyer, he represented right-wing paramilitaries and has pledged to tackle drug trafficking and extortion. His administration plans to shrink the state by up to 40 percent and revitalize the oil and gas sector. Furthermore, he has announced intentions to sever diplomatic ties with the governments of Cuba and Nicaragua, labeling them "tyrannies," while seeking to build military alliances with the United States and Israel to combat guerrilla forces.
The event in Cali drew several notable figures, including Argentine President Javier Milei and Todd Blanche, who serves as acting attorney general for Donald Trump and led a delegation focused on anti-drug policy. FIFA President Gianni Infantino was also in attendance alongside the head of the South American football federation, CONMEBOL. De La Espriella has expressed a willingness to host US troops on Colombian soil and engage in joint military operations, aligning with his goal of restoring law and order in the country.
