New Colombia president vows to 'defeat narco-terrorists'

Colombia's new right-wing President Abelardo De La Espriella took office with a strong pledge to aggressively combat drug trafficking and restore economic confidence through austerity measures. In his inaugural address, delivered at the Pichincha Battalion military base in Cali, De La Espriella, 48, articulated a vision for profound national transformation.

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I have come to close a long chapter of national resignation and, together ‌with the people, embark on ⁠the most profound transformation of our destiny.

Having previously represented right-wing paramilitaries as a lawyer, De La Espriella, who has never held elected office, promised a vigorous fight against armed groups. His platform includes shrinking the size of the state by up to 40% and revitalizing the crucial oil and gas sector. He asserted that the era of national resignation was over, calling for the restoration of order and authority.

Addressing assembled troops, the new president declared that criminal gangs and narco-terrorist groups face a stark choice: submit to the rule of law or confront the determined response of the Colombian state. He indicated that options for peace talks with armed groups had been "completely exhausted." De La Espriella also committed to definitively eradicating illicit crops, including through aerial spraying of herbicides deemed safe for humans and the environment.

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I send a firm message to the Colombian people: the time has come to restore order, authority, and freedom.

In a significant foreign policy move, Colombia will join President Donald Trump's regional anti-cartel initiative, the Shield of the Americas. De La Espriella, who holds dual US and Colombian citizenship, expressed willingness to host US troops and pursue aggressive tactics such as bombing cocaine labs and constructing "mega-prisons." He also plans to freeze public spending, implement tax reforms to boost investment, and preserve social programs.

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Members of criminal gangs and narco-terrorist ‌groups have two choices: submit to the rule of law or face the determined response of the Colombian state and its security forces.

The inauguration ceremony, held in Cali rather than the traditional location in Bogotá, was attended by international dignitaries, including FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Argentina's President Javier Milei. De La Espriella aims to make Colombia a safe and profitable destination for investment, signaling a new direction for the nation.

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The time has come to ⁠definitively eradicate the ‌scourge of illicit crops.