Right-winger De la Espriella wins Colombia's presidential election

Right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella has won Colombia's presidential election, ushering in a significant political shift for the South American nation. The 47-year-old lawyer, who received support from former U.S. President Donald Trump, narrowly defeated left-wing Senator Iván Cepeda in a runoff election.

Official results showed de la Espriella securing 49.7% of the vote, compared to Cepeda's 48.7%. This outcome signifies a sharp rightward turn for Colombia, a country still struggling with widespread violence despite a peace accord signed a decade ago with the FARC guerrilla group. Numerous armed groups remain active throughout the nation.

De la Espriella, who refers to himself as "The Tiger," has pledged to combat armed groups with military force and pursue deregulation in economic policy. His platform includes using airstrikes against guerrilla groups involved in the drug trade. His victory comes as Colombia faces its most severe wave of violence in ten years, a stark contrast to the hopes for peace following the FARC agreement.