Colombia inaugurates right-wing hardliner Abelardo de la Espriella as new president

Colombia has inaugurated Abelardo de la Espriella, a right-wing hardliner, as its new president. At his swearing-in ceremony, the 48-year-old declared, "The time for the restoration of order, authority, and freedom has begun." De la Espriella succeeds left-wing president Gustavo Petro, marking a significant political shift for the nation.

Immediately after taking office, De la Espriella announced an "unrelenting" fight against drug violence, stating that the possibilities for peace talks have been exhausted. His administration plans to combat illegal coca cultivation through herbicide spraying and bolster the country's security forces. This approach signals a departure from Petro's policies, which had sought more diplomatic solutions.

On the foreign policy front, De la Espriella intends to pivot Colombia's international relations. He plans to strengthen ties with the United States, particularly in the fight against drug trafficking, and has positioned himself as an ally of U.S. President Donald Trump. Additionally, he aims to restore diplomatic relations with Israel, which were severed by his predecessor following the Gaza war.

The inauguration ceremony, held on a military site with military honors, was attended by several international guests, including King Felipe VI of Spain and Argentina's President Javier Milei. De la Espriella is set to govern Colombia until 2030, having narrowly won the June runoff election against left-wing candidate Iván Cepeda. Colombia, the world's largest cocaine producer, has seen its relationship with the U.S. significantly deteriorate under Petro.