Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in as Colombia president on Friday, promising a hard line against drug trafficking and much closer relations with the United States. The former lawyer, known for his bold style, marks a clear move to the right for the South American country after four years under a leftist government.
De la Espriella and his vice president, Jose Manuel Restrepo, took their oaths in Cali, Colombia’s salsa capital, instead of the usual ceremony in Bogota. They celebrated with cheers, hugs, and their campaign’s military-style salute. Among the guests were Argentina’s President Javier Milei, FIFA chief Gianni Infantino, and Todd Blanche, representing the Trump administration. Outgoing president Gustavo Petro stayed away and called for protests, claiming election fraud without offering proof.
The new Colombia president won by less than one percentage point over leftist rival Ivan Cepeda. He has vowed to bomb jungle cocaine labs, build large prisons, and reduce the size of the state. Holding dual US and Colombian citizenship, De la Espriella has offered joint military operations and even the possibility of hosting American troops on Colombian soil. After years of tension between Bogota and Washington, President Donald Trump now has a strong ally in the region.
Supporters expect a tougher approach to crime and armed groups that earlier peace talks failed to control. Many of those groups have shifted from ideology to profits from cocaine and other illegal activities. De la Espriella calls himself “The Tiger” and plans a military partnership with the United States and Israel under a program he names Plan Colombia II, recalling the earlier US-backed effort against cartels and guerrillas.
Cali saw heavy security for the inauguration, with thousands of troops and anti-drone measures in place after recent guerrilla attacks. The new government faces a divided Congress and must deliver results on security. Local residents expressed hope for real change, saying the country needs stronger action against crime after years of limited progress.
De la Espriella’s win fits a wider pattern of right-leaning victories across Latin America driven by public demand for better security. His focus on closer US ties and direct action against drug networks signals a sharp break from the previous administration’s approach.
