De la Espriella: One Month as President, Still Campaigning

Abelardo de la Espriella appears determined to make provocation part of his presidency. This week, Colombia’s president was photographed in olive-green clothing walking among the bodies of alleged criminals killed in a military operation. He displayed white body bags as a warning. Two days later, amid criticism that he was treating death as a trophy, he appeared again before another group of wrapped bodies.

De la Espriella marked one month in office on Monday after an opening defined by symbols, a hard-line posture and messages controlled down to the last detail. Journalists have not been allowed to ask questions. The government appears to contain two competing forces: a religious wing focused on cultural battles and challenges to rights such as abortion, and a technocratic wing led by Vice President José Manuel Restrepo. Political and economic circles in Bogotá say the latter is losing influence.

The president has continued to behave like a candidate. “In reality, he is fighting to be popular and everything he is doing, he is still doing as if he were campaigning,” lawyer and analyst Héctor Riveros said. His first working day brought an immediate test when he had to respond to an earthquake that killed more than 300 people and caused incalculable damage across four regions. He traveled to the affected areas, met mayors, governors and residents, and quickly took control of the response.

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In reality, he is fighting to be popular and everything he is doing, he is still doing as if he were campaigning.

Some of those decisions proved controversial. The government accepted international assistance only from ideological allies and directed private donations to a foundation run by the president’s wife, whom he placed in charge of humanitarian aid for victims. “The earthquake was the acid test for moving from acting, from performance, to execution. The results remain to be seen,” journalist and writer María Elvira Samper said.

After the first days of the emergency, De la Espriella turned to insecurity, one of Colombians’ main concerns. Half of voters supported him because he promised to end the criminality that has held millions hostage. His response has included moving prisoners, wearing military-style clothing, offering frequent military salutes and appearing before the dead. His hard-line policy has immediately ended the dialogue with criminal groups pursued by Gustavo Petro. The groups have promised relentless attacks, which are already being met with attacks of their own. The president’s strategy also has the support of the United States, whose intelligence and cooperation are now more available than they were months ago and may help him produce results.

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The earthquake was the acid test for moving from acting, from performance, to execution. The results remain to be seen.