Abelardo de la Espriella took office as Colombia’s president on Friday. In a departure from tradition, his inauguration occurred in Cali, a city in the volatile southwest instead of the capital, Bogotá. This move highlights his intent to adopt a firm stance against illegal armed groups in the region.
De la Espriella, 48, succeeds Gustavo Petro after a narrow runoff victory on June 21 against Petro’s ally, Senator Iván Cepeda. Known for his outsider status, de la Espriella financed his campaign through wealth acquired as a lawyer and businessman. The ceremony was held in a university auditorium before Congress, signifying a further tilt to the right in regional politics.
Notable attendees included Spain’s King Felipe VI, acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and several Latin American presidents such as Argentina’s Javier Milei and Ecuador’s Daniel Noboa. Following the ceremony, de la Espriella plans to address troops at a military battalion in Cali, aiming to enhance their morale and caution illegal armed groups to surrender or face being declared military targets.
Nicknamed “El Tigre,” de la Espriella has committed to confronting Colombia’s enduring violence by abandoning Petro’s approach of negotiating with armed factions. He contends the peace process has failed.
Security concerns dominated the swearing-in proceedings, with authorities establishing multiple checkpoints to inspect vehicles for explosives or suspects.
Illegal enterprises like drug trafficking and unlawful mining remain contested by groups such as dissident factions of the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia who rejected the peace deal a decade ago, the Clan del Golfo cartel, and the National Liberation Army.
Regional Impact
De la Espriella, a Colombian-American, assumes power following support from former U.S. President Donald Trump amid rising regional unease over crime, immigration, and economy.
His leadership will enhance the increasing rightward shift in Latin America, forming a conservative bloc against the declining number of left-leaning governments, according to Glaeldys González of the International Crisis Group for the Andes.
He also announced intentions to align Colombia with the “Shield of the Americas,” an initiative against drug trafficking born from a summit led by Trump in March. De la Espriella plans to reestablish relations with Israel and sever ties with Cuba and Nicaragua, labeling them “tyrannies.”
Opposition from Petro
De la Espriella will face staunch resistance from Petro, who initially didn’t recognize his election and alleged fraud due to possible tampering of tally sheets by programmers. These claims were rejected by international overseers and Colombian electoral authorities.
Despite leaving the presidency, Petro vowed to respect voter decisions. He has pledged to be a “relentless” and “acerbic” opponent, aiming to bolster his leadership according to political analyst Sergio Guzmán.
Petro encouraged southwestern communities to form “people’s militias” for self-defense against purported fascists and called for a general strike should he face imprisonment post-presidency.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency identified Petro as a “priority target,” reported by the AP in March. Petro’s statements, paired with de la Espriella’s tough approach, could heighten chances of conflict during protests or provoke stronger responses from authorities, asserts Andrés Macías from Externado University.
Protests erupted in Cali, a Petro stronghold, as well as in Bogotá and Barranquilla. Demonstrators expressed defiance against de la Espriella’s presidency, claiming his victory didn’t reflect the local vote.
“We defend our dignity, resisting and showing de la Espriella didn’t win here,” said Sebastián Ocampo, 25, protesting in Puerto Resistencia, a notable center of 2021’s anti-government protests.
Amanda Castro, a 29-year-old merchant in southern Cali, remarked on the city’s divided views and emphasized hope for peaceful demonstrations.
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