Trump ally De la Espriella takes Colombia presidency, vows crackdown

Ultraderechista Abelardo de la Espriella, a 48-year-old lawyer with U.S. nationality and an ally of Donald Trump, assumes the Colombian presidency on Friday. He has pledged to combat guerrillas and narcos with a firm hand, signaling a departure from the peace negotiations pursued by his predecessor. De la Espriella's inauguration in Cali, a city in the southwest recently targeted by guerrilla attacks, marks a significant shift in Colombia's political landscape.

His presidency is expected to align Colombia more closely with Washington's anti-drug policies, a stark contrast to the approach of outgoing President Gustavo Petro, who has accused electoral fraud without providing evidence. De la Espriella, who refers to himself as "El Tigre," has vowed to end Petro's peace initiatives with cocaine-trafficking organizations, aiming to address the country's status as the world's largest producer of the drug.

The inauguration ceremony in Cali, a departure from the traditional location in Bogotá, is under heavy security. Eleven thousand soldiers and an anti-drone system are deployed in the city, which has experienced recent guerrilla attacks. The event will be attended by several heads of state, U.S. Justice Department delegates, and foreign ministers, including from Israel. FIFA President Gianni Infantino is also reportedly attending.

De la Espriella's rise as an outsider candidate, known for defending controversial figures, has been marked by elaborate rallies and a strong pro-military stance. His victory and upcoming presidency suggest a significant shift towards the right, reinforcing the U.S.-led war on drugs in Latin America. He has assured that Colombia's relationship with Washington will be stronger than ever, aiming to "recover sovereignty and protect citizens from crime and narcoterrorism."

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Vamos a recuperar la soberanía y a proteger a los ciudadanos de la delincuencia y el narcoterrorismo