He admires Trump and Milei: Right-wing hardliner de la Espriella has a good chance of becoming Colombia's president

Abelardo de la Espriella, a right-wing candidate who admires figures like Donald Trump and Javier Milei, is poised to become Colombia's next president. De la Espriella secured 43.7 percent of the vote in the first round, narrowly defeating the left-wing candidate Iván Cepeda, who garnered 41 percent. The two will face a runoff election on June 21, with de la Espriella widely considered the favorite, especially after receiving the endorsement of the centrist conservative candidate Paloma Valencia.

De la Espriella, who calls himself "el tigre" (the tiger), presents the election as a choice between "freedom and tyranny, between order and chaos." His platform emphasizes a strict law-and-order approach, a stark contrast to his opponent's policies. This tough stance resonates with a segment of the electorate, positioning him as a potential savior of the nation.

However, de la Espriella's background is marked by controversy. As a lawyer, he gained national notoriety for defending notorious criminals. Furthermore, his upbringing in Montería, a region known as a stronghold for far-right paramilitary groups like the Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia (AUC), has led to allegations of close ties to these anti-communist militias. These groups were known for their brutal methods in combating left-wing guerrillas and their involvement in drug trafficking.

Despite these controversies, de la Espriella's legal career, which began with his own firm at the age of 24, has been highly successful, fueled by high-profile cases and a strong media presence. His political ascent, mirroring the populist and hard-line tactics of his international inspirations, suggests a significant shift in Colombia's political landscape.

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Our country faces a choice between freedom and tyranny, between order and chaos