De la Espriella’s first month as Colombia’s president marked by conflict, earthquake and controversy

Abelardo de la Espriella marks one month as Colombia’s president with a record shaped by armed conflict, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake and repeated controversy. He took office with a hard-line message, surrounded by religious symbols and Latin American right-wing leaders, while centralizing communications and emphasizing his ties with the armed forces.

Less than three days after his inauguration, the president faced the earthquake of Aug. 10. The disaster killed at least 331 people and injured 4,519. De la Espriella visited the worst-hit areas and sought international support for the emergency. Washington committed $26.5 million for recovery efforts.

The reconstruction challenge is extensive. According to EFE, the disaster destroyed 36,336 homes and damaged another 201,010. Health centers, schools, roads, airports, water systems and bridges also suffered damage. The government’s handling of the rebuilding effort will be important to the president’s public image, while his administration has already faced criticism over actions described as propagandistic and over the exclusion of some foreign rescue teams.

As the emergency subsided, De la Espriella turned his attention to security. He promised “an iron fist” against guerrillas, criminal gangs and drug traffickers. The government announced arrests, drug and weapons seizures, and military operations against armed groups. It is also preparing a terrorist list to expand its ability to act.

The security campaign has brought further criticism. EFE reported objections to airstrikes in which minors were killed, and the questions intensified after a court asked that such operations be limited.

On foreign policy, the president has strengthened relations with the United States and Israel. Colombia signed a security agreement with Washington that includes $1 billion in assistance. De la Espriella also plans to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss security, reconstruction and trade. His government has likewise moved closer to Israel and Morocco, signaling a shift in Colombia’s international relationships during its first month.

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an iron fist