Milei congratulates Colombia's president-elect De la Espriella, citing 'freedom advances in Latin America'

Argentina's far-right President Javier Milei was among the first to congratulate Abelardo de la Espriella, who preliminary results indicate has won Colombia's presidential election.

"The lion and the tiger roar in Latin America," Milei wrote on social media, referencing his own nickname and that of the president-elect, who is also known as "El Tigre." He added, "Freedom advances throughout Latin America and there is no turning back." Milei used this phrase to refer to the perceived rise of the far-right in the region, as well as the name of his own political party in Argentina.

De la Espriella, who was compared to Milei by media and analysts during the Colombian campaign, has won the presidential election in a second round with 49.65% of the vote. This is a narrow lead of 245,738 votes (0.95%) over Iván Cepeda, according to preliminary counts. Cepeda, a progressive from the ruling Pacto Histórico movement, currently has 48.70%. The close margin is tighter than polls predicted, and a full count is needed to confirm the official result.

Milei's government in Argentina has implemented ultraliberal and far-right policies, including economic shock therapy and fiscal adjustments, aimed at resolving the country's crisis and attracting foreign investment.

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The lion and the tiger roar in Latin America. Freedom advances throughout Latin America and there is no turning back.