Trump ally Abelardo de la Espriella sworn in as Colombia's president

Right-wing politician Abelardo de la Espriella has been inaugurated as Colombia's new president, marking a significant political shift for the South American nation.

Known as "The Tiger," de la Espriella took the oath of office in the city of Cali. His presidency signals the end of Gustavo Petro's left-wing administration, the first of its kind in Colombia. De la Espriella, a 48-year-old former lawyer and a self-proclaimed admirer of Donald Trump, had promised a close relationship with the United States during his campaign.

The new president faces the daunting task of confronting numerous criminal organizations engaged in drug trafficking, illegal mining, and extortion. De la Espriella ran his campaign from behind bulletproof glass, vowing a hardline approach against armed groups operating within Colombia.

His policy agenda includes significant reforms, such as a proposed 40% reduction in the public sector and a revitalization of the oil and gas industries, according to Reuters. De la Espriella's victory in the June presidential runoff marked a departure from the previous administration's policies and a move towards a more conservative political direction.