In Colombia, Abelardo de La Espriella, a new example of Latin America's far-right, shakes up presidential race

Colombian presidential candidate Abelardo de La Espriella, a millionaire lawyer, has surprised many by topping the first round of the presidential election, positioning himself as a significant force in the country's political landscape.

De La Espriella, who leads the "Defenders of the Fatherland" movement, secured 43.72% of the vote, surpassing traditional right-wing candidate Paloma Valencia. He will now face off against left-wing senator and human rights defender Iván Cepeda in a runoff election scheduled for June 21. This outcome highlights the emergence of a strong far-right presence in Colombian politics, mirroring trends seen elsewhere in Latin America.

Describing himself as "the tiger," the 47-year-old lawyer embodies a profile often associated with the new Latin American far-right: a blend of masculinism, ultraliberalism, and a repressive approach to governance, drawing parallels with figures like Donald Trump. His campaign's success signals a potential shift in the country's political direction, challenging established political norms and alliances.

The stark contrast between De La Espriella and Cepeda promises a contentious runoff campaign. Their opposing ideologies and backgrounds, one a wealthy lawyer focused on security and economic liberalism, the other a human rights advocate, set the stage for a deeply divided electorate to make a critical choice about the nation's future.