Trump backs far-right candidate de la Espriella for Colombia presidency

Donald Trump has thrown his full support behind Colombian far-right presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella, calling him an "intelligent, strong, and decisive" leader.

Trump's endorsement, posted on Truth Social, came after de la Espriella secured a spot in the June 21 runoff election. The US president stated that de la Espriella, whom he referred to as 'El Tigre,' would boost economic growth, create jobs, and restore "law and order" if elected.

The election's first round saw de la Espriella as the top vote-getter, followed by leftist candidate Iván Cepeda. Trump framed the runoff as a crucial choice for Colombia's future and its relationship with the United States, pitting de la Espriella against what Trump calls the "radical left."

Meanwhile, the European Union's Election Observation Mission (MOE UE) has dismissed any claims of manipulation in the vote count. The mission's head, Esteban González Pons, affirmed that the elections were conducted in an "orderly, transparent, and fluid" manner. This contrasts with allegations of potential fraud made by Gustavo Petro, who is set to face de la Espriella in the second round.

“

El Tigre