Colombian government rejects Milei's public support for De la Espriella candidacy

The Colombian government has officially rejected public statements of support made by Argentine President Javier Milei for the presidential candidacy of Abelardo de la Espriella. The Foreign Ministry issued a statement declaring that any intervention by a foreign authority, whether to favor or harm a candidate, is inappropriate for a matter that exclusively concerns the Colombian people.

De la Espriella, who is heading into a second-round presidential election against leftist Iván Cepeda, had announced receiving support from Milei following a phone call. Milei reportedly expressed his backing and congratulated De la Espriella on his performance in the first round. The Colombian Foreign Ministry emphasized that such pronouncements disregard the duty of prudence, responsibility, and mutual respect essential for relations between states, particularly during electoral processes.

The ministry further stated that the principle of non-intervention is a fundamental pillar of international legal order. Colombia had previously urged all international actors to act with prudence and responsibility regarding its electoral process. The government has lodged a formal protest over Milei's declarations.

Abelardo de la Espriella, representing the far-right movement Defensores de la Patria, has also garnered support from other international right-wing figures, including U.S. President Donald Trump. The Colombian government's strong reaction underscores its commitment to national sovereignty and the integrity of its electoral system, rejecting any external influence.