Millionaire showman and pro-Trump lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella inaugurated as Colombia's president, vowing order and authority

Abelardo de la Espriella, a 48-year-old lawyer and self-proclaimed 'El Tigre,' has officially assumed the presidency of Colombia, marking a significant shift away from the left-wing administration of Gustavo Petro. Known for his flamboyant style and past representation of paramilitaries, drug traffickers, and corrupt politicians, De la Espriella's victory represents a win for the right and a rejection of traditional parties and the established left.

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The State in the era of the Tiger will be forceful and precise against crime (...) they will know how hard it bites when it comes to defending the Colombian people.

In his inaugural address at a military base in Cali, surrounded by military hardware, De la Espriella declared a new era of "order and authority." He vowed to be "forceful and precise against crime" and to defend the Colombian people "by reason or by force." His radical stance includes closing dialogue with criminals and targeting "narco-terrorists," signaling a tough-on-crime approach that resonates with a segment of the population disillusioned with insecurity and political corruption.

De la Espriella, who holds dual Colombian and U.S. citizenship, has drawn inspiration from international figures like Argentina's Javier Milei, El Salvador's Nayib Bukele, and former U.S. President Donald Trump. He envisions transforming the state into a prosperous company and has adopted an anti-establishment discourse. His public image, often featuring impeccable suits, luxury accessories, and even the Colombian national soccer team's jersey, contrasts with his promises of restoring order and authority.

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The time for the recovery of order, authority, and freedom has begun.

Despite facing criticism for alleged misogynistic and homophobic remarks during his campaign, De la Espriella's popularity remained strong. Questions linger about the origins of his wealth and his past legal dealings. He presented himself as a "businessman of realities" rather than a "merchant of illusions," a sentiment that appears to have connected with voters seeking a decisive change in Colombia's political landscape.

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I am not a merchant of illusions, I am a businessman of realities.