Colombia's new President Abelardo de la Espriella has promised a sweeping crackdown on armed groups and drug trafficking, declaring that there will be "no room" for forces threatening the country's stability.In his first major address after taking office on Friday (Aug 7), the 48-year-old leader told thousands of soldiers in Cali that his government would "relentlessly defeat narco-terrorism" and abandon dialogue with armed groups."The option of dialogue is completely exhausted," de la Espriella said, drawing a sharp contrast with the previous government's attempts to negotiate with guerrillas and other armed groups.<h2>A sharp turn to the right</h2>De la Espriella's presidency marks a major political shift for Colombia after four years under its first leftist government. The US-backed millionaire has positioned himself as a strong security leader and has promised to work closely with Washington under President Donald Trump.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-ordinary-indian-users-have-to-pay-for-upi-nirmala-sitharaman-breaks-silence-on-congress-mdr-fee-claim-1786079378525">Will ordinary Indian users have to pay for UPI? Nirmala Sitharaman breaks silence on Congress' MDR fee claim</a>He has proposed allowing US troops to operate from Colombian soil, targeting cocaine laboratories in the jungle, building "mega-prisons" and reducing the size of the state.The president, who holds both Colombian and US citizenship, has also made a military salute part of his public image.<h2>Why Cali was chosen for the inauguration</h2>De la Espriella broke with tradition by holding his inauguration in Cali, the country's salsa capital, rather than in the capital Bogota. The city has experienced several guerrilla attacks in recent years, prompting authorities to deploy around 11,000 troops and an anti-drone system for the ceremony.The event was attended by several prominent right-wing figures, including Argentine President Javier Milei and Trump's acting attorney general, Todd Blanche. FIFA President Gianni Infantino was also among the guests.De la Espriella's leftist predecessor, Gustavo Petro, did not attend the ceremony.<h2>A narrow victory, divided Congress</h2>De la Espriella won the presidential election by less than one percentage point, ending four years of left-wing rule.His government, however, faces an immediate political challenge. He does not control a majority in Congress and will have to work with a divided legislature to implement his agenda.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-iran-s-crypto-network-after-strait-of-hormuz-attacks-offers-15m-bounty-for-intel-on-irgc-finance-1786150050092">US sanctions Iran’s crypto network after Strait of Hormuz attacks, offers $15m bounty for intel on IRGC finance</a><h2>De la Espriella’s ‘Plan Colombia II’</h2>The new president has vowed to eliminate coca crops used to produce cocaine "by all means" and has advocated fracking despite environmental concerns.He also wants to cut taxes for wealthy Colombians and build a closer military partnership with the US and Israel to fight guerrilla groups.His proposed "Plan Colombia II" takes its name from the original US-backed programme launched in the 2000s to combat drug cartels and leftist armed groups.The earlier initiative helped weaken major armed groups but was also accompanied by allegations of serious human rights abuses.

Colombia's new President Abelardo de la Espriella has vowed a sweeping crackdown on armed groups and drug trafficking, declaring dialogue "completely exhausted" and promising a US-backed "Plan Colombia II" against narco-terrorism.

Colombia's new President Abelardo de la Espriella has promised a sweeping crackdown on armed groups and drug trafficking, declaring that there will be "no room" for forces threatening the country's stability. In his first major address after taking office on Friday (Aug 7), the 48-year-old leader told thousands of soldiers in Cali that his government would "relentlessly defeat narco-terrorism" and abandon dialogue with armed groups. "The option of dialogue is completely exhausted," de la Espriella said, drawing a sharp contrast with the previous government's attempts to negotiate with guerrillas and other armed groups. A sharp turn to the right De la Espriella's presidency marks a major political shift for Colombia after four years under its first leftist government. The US-backed millionaire has positioned himself as a strong security leader and has promised to work closely with Washington under President Donald Trump. Also read | Will ordinary Indian users have to pay for UPI? Nirmala Sitharaman breaks silence on Congress' MDR fee claim He has proposed allowing US troops to operate from Colombian soil, targeting cocaine laboratories in the jungle, building "mega-prisons" and reducing the size of the state. The president, who holds both Colombian and US citizenship, has also made a military salute part of his public image. Why Cali was chosen for the inauguration De la Espriella broke with tradition by holding his inauguration in Cali, the country's salsa capital, rather than in the capital Bogota. The city has experienced several guerrilla attacks in recent years, prompting authorities to deploy around 11,000 troops and an anti-drone system for the ceremony. The event was attended by several prominent right-wing figures, including Argentine President Javier Milei and Trump's acting attorney general, Todd Blanche. FIFA President Gianni Infantino was also among the guests. De la Espriella's leftist predecessor, Gustavo Petro, did not attend the ceremony. A narrow victory, divided Congress De la Espriella won the presidential election by less than one percentage point, ending four years of left-wing rule. His government, however, faces an immediate political challenge. He does not control a majority in Congress and will have to work with a divided legislature to implement his agenda. Also read | US sanctions Iran’s crypto network after Strait of Hormuz attacks, offers $15m bounty for intel on IRGC finance De la Espriella’s ‘Plan Colombia II’ The new president has vowed to eliminate coca crops used to produce cocaine "by all means" and has advocated fracking despite environmental concerns. He also wants to cut taxes for wealthy Colombians and build a closer military partnership with the US and Israel to fight guerrilla groups. His proposed "Plan Colombia II" takes its name from the original US-backed programme launched in the 2000s to combat drug cartels and leftist armed groups. The earlier initiative helped weaken major armed groups but was also accompanied by allegations of serious human rights abuses.

Colombia's new President Abelardo de la Espriella has vowed a sweeping crackdown on armed groups and drug trafficking, declaring dialogue "completely exhausted" and promising a US-backed "Plan Colombia II" against narco-terrorism.

Colombia’s new president Abelardo de la Espriella vows to ‘defeat narco-terrorists’, signals hardline shift

US President Donald Trump on Monday congratulated Colombia's president-elect, Abelardo de la Espriella, following his narrow election victory, saying he looked forward to strengthening ties between the two countries.&nbsp;In a post on Truth Social, Trump highlighted his support for the conservative politician and expressed optimism about future cooperation.&nbsp;"It was my Great Honor to endorse him, and I look forward to working together to build a powerful relationship between Colombia and the United States of America, which will bring new levels of Greatness for both of our Countries!" Trump wrote.&nbsp;De la Espriella secured a tight victory in Sunday's runoff election, defeating leftist Senator Ivan Cepeda. He won 49.66 per cent of the vote against Cepeda's 48.70 per cent, bringing an end to Colombia's first left-wing government.<h2>De la Espriella promises tougher security policies</h2>The millionaire lawyer turned politician is set to take office in August and has pledged to move Colombia sharply to the right. His agenda includes building "mega-prisons," strengthening cooperation with the United States and adopting a tougher approach against drug trafficking and armed groups.&nbsp;"We are beginning a new era!" he said in his victory speech on Sunday night.De la Espriella has also proposed reducing the size of the state, reviewing Colombia's participation in international organisations, including the United Nations, and launching a bombing campaign against armed groups operating across the country.&nbsp;The president-elect, who holds dual US-Colombian citizenship and describes himself as a "Republican," has vowed to deepen security cooperation with Washington. He has pledged to bomb drug trafficking organisations, use herbicides to eradicate coca crops and allow US military bases on Colombian territory.&nbsp;His proposed "Plan Colombia II" takes its name from the multimillion-dollar agreement between Colombia and the United States in the 2000s that focused on combating drug cartels and leftist groups.&nbsp;"There will be no off-limits areas for the State, no criminals enjoying impunity," De la Espriella said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-passes-housing-affordability-bill-with-bipartisan-support-what-s-in-it-1782171803211">US Senate passes housing affordability bill with bipartisan support; what's in it?</a><h2>Relations are strained under Gustavo Petro</h2>Relations between Bogota and Washington became increasingly strained during the presidency of leftist leader Gustavo Petro. Petro engaged in public disputes with Trump and chose not to participate in the US president's "Shield of the Americas" anti-crime coalition.&nbsp;According to the report, the Trump administration applied both public and legal pressure on Petro's government. Measures included personal sanctions against Petro, the revocation of his US visa and scrutiny of the growing territorial influence of organised crime groups during his presidency.&nbsp;Tensions reached a new level during Colombia's 2026 presidential election when Trump publicly backed De la Espriella, issuing what was described as a "Complete and Total Endorsement" of the conservative candidate.

President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella, a dual US-Colombian citizen who identifies as a "Republican," has pledged closer security cooperation with Washington, including tougher measures against drug trafficking, coca cultivation and greater US military involvement.

US President Donald Trump on Monday congratulated Colombia's president-elect, Abelardo de la Espriella, following his narrow election victory, saying he looked forward to strengthening ties between the two countries. In a post on Truth Social, Trump highlighted his support for the conservative politician and expressed optimism about future cooperation. "It was my Great Honor to endorse him, and I look forward to working together to build a powerful relationship between Colombia and the United States of America, which will bring new levels of Greatness for both of our Countries!" Trump wrote. De la Espriella secured a tight victory in Sunday's runoff election, defeating leftist Senator Ivan Cepeda. He won 49.66 per cent of the vote against Cepeda's 48.70 per cent, bringing an end to Colombia's first left-wing government. De la Espriella promises tougher security policies The millionaire lawyer turned politician is set to take office in August and has pledged to move Colombia sharply to the right. His agenda includes building "mega-prisons," strengthening cooperation with the United States and adopting a tougher approach against drug trafficking and armed groups. "We are beginning a new era!" he said in his victory speech on Sunday night. De la Espriella has also proposed reducing the size of the state, reviewing Colombia's participation in international organisations, including the United Nations, and launching a bombing campaign against armed groups operating across the country. The president-elect, who holds dual US-Colombian citizenship and describes himself as a "Republican," has vowed to deepen security cooperation with Washington. He has pledged to bomb drug trafficking organisations, use herbicides to eradicate coca crops and allow US military bases on Colombian territory. His proposed "Plan Colombia II" takes its name from the multimillion-dollar agreement between Colombia and the United States in the 2000s that focused on combating drug cartels and leftist groups. "There will be no off-limits areas for the State, no criminals enjoying impunity," De la Espriella said. Also Read: US Senate passes housing affordability bill with bipartisan support; what's in it? Relations are strained under Gustavo Petro Relations between Bogota and Washington became increasingly strained during the presidency of leftist leader Gustavo Petro. Petro engaged in public disputes with Trump and chose not to participate in the US president's "Shield of the Americas" anti-crime coalition. According to the report, the Trump administration applied both public and legal pressure on Petro's government. Measures included personal sanctions against Petro, the revocation of his US visa and scrutiny of the growing territorial influence of organised crime groups during his presidency. Tensions reached a new level during Colombia's 2026 presidential election when Trump publicly backed De la Espriella, issuing what was described as a "Complete and Total Endorsement" of the conservative candidate.

President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella, a dual US-Colombian citizen who identifies as a "Republican," has pledged closer security cooperation with Washington, including tougher measures against drug trafficking, coca cultivation and greater US military involvement.

After months of tensions with Colombia, Trump welcomes his endorsed candidate as new president

The right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella, who was endorsed by US President Donald Trump, has won Colombia’s presidential election on Sunday (Jun 21), as per the initial vote count. His narrow victory against left-wing Iván Cepeda, a close ally of the president, Gustavo Petro, signals a potential shift in the country’s approach to security, crime and the long-running internal conflict. Espriella has vowed to wage a war against drug-running guerrilla groups.“Today begins a new stage for our country, a stage built on the free and democratic will of millions of citizens who chose to believe in a great, safe, prosperous Colombia full of opportunities,” Espriella said after winning the elections.With more than 99 per cent of the votes counted, Espriella was leading with 49.7 per cent of the vote as Cepeda trailed with 48.7 per cent.The 47-year-old’s victory is expected to ease tensions with Washington and reflects a broader trend across Latin America, where right-wing leaders advocating tough-on-crime policies have gained power.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-politics-of-perception-decoding-the-g7-s-most-viral-moments-1781782259617">The politics of perception: Decoding G7 Summit’s most viral moments</a>“We are beginning a new era!” he told supporters in the Caribbean city of Barranquilla. “For those who have sown violence, terror, drug trafficking, and corruption all these years, their time is up!”Meanwhile, thousands took to streets of Colombia’s third-largest city of Cali, where protesters burned American flags, opposing De la Espriella. The police resorted to using tear gas to disperse the crowd.<h2>Trump, Rubio congratulates Espriella</h2>Reacting to right-wing leader’s success, Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform, “He Won, BIG!”US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also congratulated Espriella, saying that the Trump administration looks forward to working with his incoming administration.“The Trump Administration looks forward to working closely with your incoming administration to advance regional security cooperation, end illegal immigration to the United States, and strengthen our economic ties,” he wrote in a post on X.Watch | Colombia: Trump-Backed Conservative Faces Petro Ally in Polarised Contest<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/colombia-trump-backed-conservative-faces-petro-ally-in-polarised-contest-1782061908950/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/colombia-trump-backed-conservative-faces-petro-ally-in-polarised-contest-1782061908950/embed</a>

Trump-backed Abelardo de la Espriella won Colombia's presidential election in a tight race, defeating Iván Cepeda. He pledged a tough crackdown on crime, guerrilla groups and drug trafficking.

The right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella, who was endorsed by US President Donald Trump, has won Colombia’s presidential election on Sunday (Jun 21), as per the initial vote count. His narrow victory against left-wing Iván Cepeda, a close ally of the president, Gustavo Petro, signals a potential shift in the country’s approach to security, crime and the long-running internal conflict. Espriella has vowed to wage a war against drug-running guerrilla groups. “Today begins a new stage for our country, a stage built on the free and democratic will of millions of citizens who chose to believe in a great, safe, prosperous Colombia full of opportunities,” Espriella said after winning the elections. With more than 99 per cent of the votes counted, Espriella was leading with 49.7 per cent of the vote as Cepeda trailed with 48.7 per cent. The 47-year-old’s victory is expected to ease tensions with Washington and reflects a broader trend across Latin America, where right-wing leaders advocating tough-on-crime policies have gained power. Also read | The politics of perception: Decoding G7 Summit’s most viral moments “We are beginning a new era!” he told supporters in the Caribbean city of Barranquilla. “For those who have sown violence, terror, drug trafficking, and corruption all these years, their time is up!” Meanwhile, thousands took to streets of Colombia’s third-largest city of Cali, where protesters burned American flags, opposing De la Espriella. The police resorted to using tear gas to disperse the crowd. Trump, Rubio congratulates Espriella Reacting to right-wing leader’s success, Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform, “He Won, BIG!” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also congratulated Espriella, saying that the Trump administration looks forward to working with his incoming administration. “The Trump Administration looks forward to working closely with your incoming administration to advance regional security cooperation, end illegal immigration to the United States, and strengthen our economic ties,” he wrote in a post on X. Watch | Colombia: Trump-Backed Conservative Faces Petro Ally in Polarised Contest https://www.wionews.com/videos/colombia-trump-backed-conservative-faces-petro-ally-in-polarised-contest-1782061908950/embed

Trump-backed Abelardo de la Espriella won Colombia's presidential election in a tight race, defeating Iván Cepeda. He pledged a tough crackdown on crime, guerrilla groups and drug trafficking.

‘He Won, BIG!’: Trump-backed Abelardo de la Espriella defeats Petro ally in Colombia vote

U.S. President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind Colombian presidential candidate Abelardo De La Espriella ahead of the country's crucial runoff election. The endorsement comes as Colombia heads into a closely watched contest that could shape its political future and ties with Washington.

Trump Endorses Colombia's Right-Wing Hopeful Abelardo De La Espriella

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Colombia’s new president Abelardo de la Espriella vows to ‘defeat narco-terrorists’, signals hardline shift

After months of friction, Trump welcomes Colombia's new 'Republican' president

Trump-backed Abelardo de la Espriella defeats Petro ally in Colombia vote

Trump Endorses Colombia's Right-Wing Hopeful Abelardo De La Espriella