De la Espriella takes office in Colombia, proclaims start of 'recovery of order'

Cali, Colombia – Abelardo de la Espriella began his term as Colombia's new president on Friday, ushering in a new right-wing direction for the country. He promised a firm approach to armed groups and pledged support for entrepreneurs.

In his inaugural address, De la Espriella declared the beginning of "the recovery of order" and issued a stern warning to those engaging in violence. "I issue from here the peremptory order to combat all criminal structures. Members of criminal gangs and narcoterrorism have two paths: submit to the rule of law or face the public forces," he stated.

The new president also announced a plan to eradicate coca cultivation and dismissed the possibility of dialogue with illegal armed groups. "On June 21, it was not a man or a party that won. Colombian democracy won," he declared, distancing himself from what he termed "Bolivarian totalitarian" political models that have caused suffering in the region.

De la Espriella, 48, succeeds the progressive Gustavo Petro. He entered politics for the first time, financing his campaign with his wealth as a lawyer and businessman. Known as "El Tigre" (The Tiger), he took the oath of office in Cali, a deliberate break from the tradition of inaugurations in Bogotá.

The ceremony was attended by several international leaders, including Argentina's President Javier Milei, Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa, Panama's President José Raúl Mulino, Paraguay's President Santiago Peña, Chile's José Antonio Kast, and Honduras' Nasry Asfura. King Felipe VI of Spain and FIFA President Gianni Infantino were also present.

Following the inauguration, De la Espriella was scheduled to visit a military battalion in Cali to address troops. His aim is to boost morale and warn illegal groups that they must surrender or be declared "military targets."