UNIPA News(Colombia)22 June-Colombia has elected nationalist lawyer Abelardo De La Espriella as its next president, signalling a significant political shift toward tougher security policies and market-oriented economic reforms.
According to the national registrar’s official tally, De La Espriella defeated leftist senator Ivan Cepeda in the presidential runoff, securing 49.66 percent of the vote against Cepeda’s 48.7 percent.
The president-elect had emerged as the frontrunner after winning 43.7 percent of the vote in the first round held in late May.
De La Espriella campaigned on promises to revive Colombia’s economy, combat illegal armed groups and intensify efforts against drug trafficking. He criticised the administration of outgoing President Gustavo Petro, blaming it for the country’s economic challenges and deteriorating security situation.
Central to his platform are plans to reduce the size of the state by 40 percent, broaden the tax base and end ongoing peace initiatives with armed groups in favour of a stronger military response.
The incoming president has also pledged to expand Colombia’s energy sector by restarting oil exploration and permitting hydraulic fracturing, with the aim of increasing national oil production to 1.3 million barrels per day.
Known by supporters as “The Tiger,” De La Espriella has cultivated an anti-establishment image and positioned himself as a leader capable of restoring public order.
Beyond his legal career, he oversees business interests spanning the wine, rum, clothing and real estate sectors.
Political observers have drawn comparisons between De La Espriella and El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele because of their shared emphasis on security policies. De La Espriella has rejected such comparisons but has proposed the construction of 10 mega-prisons as part of his crime-fighting strategy.
A citizen of Colombia, the United States and Italy, De La Espriella was raised in the Caribbean city of Montería. He is married and has four children.
He is scheduled to take office on August 7.
