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

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

Colombian outgoing President Gustavo Petro has accused the US President Donald Trump of intervening in the country's election after Trump endorsed him in Colombia's election. In an interview with CBS News, Petro said that Washington's endorsement of far-right candidate Abelardo de la Espriella abandons its purported mission against drug trafficking. He accused Washington of supporting narco-paramilitarism, underscoring Trump's support of former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, who was convicted in the U.S. of trafficking and recently pardoned by Trump.&nbsp;"Their (US) allies in Colombia come from the narco-paramilitary regime; they are genocidal and drug traffickers," Petro told AFP in an interview at the presidential palace.47-year-old De la Espriella had a controversial decades-long career as a high-profile criminal defence attorney representing notorious underworld figures, drug traffickers and soccer players. US President Donald Trump's endorsement came exactly two days after the May 31 first-round election results, where Abelardo de la Espriella shocked pollsters by winning 43.74 per cent of the vote. Trump posted a "complete and total endorsement" for De la Espriella as a "smart, strong, and tough leader" who would bring back law and order. Espriella has promised to deepen US-Colombian relations "like never before" if elected.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anna-estevao-nicolas-maduro-defence-team-diddy-lawyer-1780643556825">Who is Anna Estevao? Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs lawyer joins Nicolas Maduro’s defence team</a>De la Espriella is followed by leftist Iván Cepeda with 40.9 per cent. While Cepeda has the backing of Petro, Espriella has the backing of former President Alvaro Uribe, who is accused of colluding with paramilitaries behind the massacres of thousands of civilians during the worst years of Colombia's more-than-six-decade conflict. Both Cepeda and Petro accused the paramilitaries of "genocide" of leftist political activists and politicians.&nbsp;"In Colombia, hatred immediately produces deaths," he said. "Promoting a discourse of hatred, as is happening these days, 'gut the progressives…' is inciting a violence that could become unstoppable in this country," Petro admitted to the increase in organised crimes, but said that the social crimes or crimes due to erosion of the social fabric have decreased.&nbsp;Petro said that the point of difference between the Trump administration and the Cuban government is that they are “progressives, because we are on the left, and because we disagree on issues like Gaza.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Outgoing Colombian President Gustavo Petro accused Donald Trump of interfering in Colombia's election after endorsing right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella, warning of rising political violence and narco-paramilitary influence.

Colombian outgoing President Gustavo Petro has accused the US President Donald Trump of intervening in the country's election after Trump endorsed him in Colombia's election. In an interview with CBS News, Petro said that Washington's endorsement of far-right candidate Abelardo de la Espriella abandons its purported mission against drug trafficking. He accused Washington of supporting narco-paramilitarism, underscoring Trump's support of former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, who was convicted in the U.S. of trafficking and recently pardoned by Trump. "Their (US) allies in Colombia come from the narco-paramilitary regime; they are genocidal and drug traffickers," Petro told AFP in an interview at the presidential palace. 47-year-old De la Espriella had a controversial decades-long career as a high-profile criminal defence attorney representing notorious underworld figures, drug traffickers and soccer players. US President Donald Trump's endorsement came exactly two days after the May 31 first-round election results, where Abelardo de la Espriella shocked pollsters by winning 43.74 per cent of the vote. Trump posted a "complete and total endorsement" for De la Espriella as a "smart, strong, and tough leader" who would bring back law and order. Espriella has promised to deepen US-Colombian relations "like never before" if elected. Also Read: Who is Anna Estevao? Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs lawyer joins Nicolas Maduro’s defence team De la Espriella is followed by leftist Iván Cepeda with 40.9 per cent. While Cepeda has the backing of Petro, Espriella has the backing of former President Alvaro Uribe, who is accused of colluding with paramilitaries behind the massacres of thousands of civilians during the worst years of Colombia's more-than-six-decade conflict. Both Cepeda and Petro accused the paramilitaries of "genocide" of leftist political activists and politicians. "In Colombia, hatred immediately produces deaths," he said. "Promoting a discourse of hatred, as is happening these days, 'gut the progressives…' is inciting a violence that could become unstoppable in this country," Petro admitted to the increase in organised crimes, but said that the social crimes or crimes due to erosion of the social fabric have decreased. Petro said that the point of difference between the Trump administration and the Cuban government is that they are “progressives, because we are on the left, and because we disagree on issues like Gaza.”

Outgoing Colombian President Gustavo Petro accused Donald Trump of interfering in Colombia's election after endorsing right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella, warning of rising political violence and narco-paramilitary influence.

Colombia's Gustavo Petro accuses Trump of interfering in presidential election

Colombian right-wing leader Abelardo de la Espriella ‌is set to compete in a runoff election for president on June 21 after he came at the top in the first-round elections. He will be up against leftist senator Ivan Cepeda. While Cepeda is an ally of the current president Gustavo Petro, Espriella ‌is pro-Trump. The two men were separated by just a few percentage points with more than 97 per cent of votes counted, data from ​the country's national registry office showed. Lawyer De La Espriella received 43.7 per cent of the votes and Cepeda, a ⁠long-time senator and activist, held just under 41per cent , the data showed.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/colombia-will-kill-pablo-escobar-s-80-cocaine-hippos-1776146638105">Colombia will kill Pablo Escobar's 80 'cocaine hippos'. Here's why</a><h2>Who is Abelardo de la Espriella?</h2>Abelardo de la Espriella, who has never held elected office, and is being termed an outsider calls himself an admirer of US President Donald Trump. He uses the outsider tag as an accolade to convince the voters that he is “free from political baggage.” A criminal lawyer by profession, De La Espriella legally represented controversial figures ​including former Venezuelan minister Alex Saab. His campaign is focussing on security proposals, a smaller government, and economic reforms. He has also proposed a tough offensive against illegal armed groups, the construction of 10 megaprisons, and poverty reduction through better education, healthcare and housing for the poorest. &nbsp;In 2025, he launched his political movement “Defenders of the Homeland” and later formalised his presidential candidacy with the support of conservative sectors and the National Salvation Movement. &nbsp;He has questioned the negotiations initiated by Gustavo Petro's government with armed groups and proposes a security policy based on strengthening the armed forces, building new prisons, increasing penalties, and combating drug trafficking. The lawyer has said that he has financed his campaign with his own resources, without receiving donations from parties or large companies.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-got-along-very-well-trump-hails-first-in-person-talks-with-colombia-s-petro-says-working-on-lifting-sanctions-1770174544126">‘Got along very well’: Trump hails first in-person talks with Colombia’s Petro, says ‘working on’ lifting sanctions</a><h2>Who is Cepeda?</h2>Cepeda. the leftist candidate is a 63-year-old lawmaker who led the opinion polls and will now face Abelardo de la Espriella. Cepeda is the son of a murdered communist leader Manuel Cepeda Vargas, and an ally of President Gustavo Petro. He has promised to pursue peace with illegal armed groups through negotiations. He also plans to deepen reforms meant ​to reduce inequality and poverty, ​including by raising taxes ⁠on high-income earners, granting 1 million hectares (2.47 million acres) to victims of the country's six-decade internal conflict, and expanding healthcare coverage.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Colombia's presidential race heads to a June 21 runoff after right-wing outsider Abelardo de la Espriella secured 43.7% of votes, narrowly ahead of leftist senator Ivan Cepeda. The closely contested election centers on security, economic policies, and the future direction of the country.

Colombian right-wing leader Abelardo de la Espriella ‌is set to compete in a runoff election for president on June 21 after he came at the top in the first-round elections. He will be up against leftist senator Ivan Cepeda. While Cepeda is an ally of the current president Gustavo Petro, Espriella ‌is pro-Trump. The two men were separated by just a few percentage points with more than 97 per cent of votes counted, data from the country's national registry office showed. Lawyer De La Espriella received 43.7 per cent of the votes and Cepeda, a ⁠long-time senator and activist, held just under 41per cent , the data showed. Also Read: Colombia will kill Pablo Escobar's 80 'cocaine hippos'. Here's why Who is Abelardo de la Espriella? Abelardo de la Espriella, who has never held elected office, and is being termed an outsider calls himself an admirer of US President Donald Trump. He uses the outsider tag as an accolade to convince the voters that he is “free from political baggage.” A criminal lawyer by profession, De La Espriella legally represented controversial figures including former Venezuelan minister Alex Saab. His campaign is focussing on security proposals, a smaller government, and economic reforms. He has also proposed a tough offensive against illegal armed groups, the construction of 10 megaprisons, and poverty reduction through better education, healthcare and housing for the poorest. In 2025, he launched his political movement “Defenders of the Homeland” and later formalised his presidential candidacy with the support of conservative sectors and the National Salvation Movement. He has questioned the negotiations initiated by Gustavo Petro's government with armed groups and proposes a security policy based on strengthening the armed forces, building new prisons, increasing penalties, and combating drug trafficking. The lawyer has said that he has financed his campaign with his own resources, without receiving donations from parties or large companies. Also Read: ‘Got along very well’: Trump hails first in-person talks with Colombia’s Petro, says ‘working on’ lifting sanctions Who is Cepeda? Cepeda. the leftist candidate is a 63-year-old lawmaker who led the opinion polls and will now face Abelardo de la Espriella. Cepeda is the son of a murdered communist leader Manuel Cepeda Vargas, and an ally of President Gustavo Petro. He has promised to pursue peace with illegal armed groups through negotiations. He also plans to deepen reforms meant to reduce inequality and poverty, including by raising taxes ⁠on high-income earners, granting 1 million hectares (2.47 million acres) to victims of the country's six-decade internal conflict, and expanding healthcare coverage.

Colombia's presidential race heads to a June 21 runoff after right-wing outsider Abelardo de la Espriella secured 43.7% of votes, narrowly ahead of leftist senator Ivan Cepeda. The closely contested election centers on security, economic policies, and the future direction of the country.

Who is Abelardo de la Espriella? Pro-Trump outsider to face Petro ally Cepeda in Colombia presidential runoff | WION Decodes

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

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

Colombia's Gustavo Petro accuses Trump of interfering in presidential election

Who Is Colombia's pro-Trump hopeful Abelardo de la Espriella?