Key facts
- Abelardo De La Espriella has been elected president of Colombia.
- De La Espriella, a nationalist lawyer, ran on a platform of restoring order and economic revival.
- He defeated leftist senator Ivan Cepeda in the runoff election.
- De La Espriella plans to restart oil exploration and allow fracking.
- He is set to assume the presidency on August 7.
Nationalist lawyer Abelardo De La Espriella has been elected president of Colombia, marking a significant political shift. Nicknamed 'The Tiger,' De La Espriella campaigned on a platform of restoring order and reviving the economy, advocating for a hardline security agenda and market-friendly policies. He defeated leftist senator Ivan Cepeda in the runoff election, securing 49.66% of the vote.
De La Espriella, who blames the outgoing president for the country's economic and security issues, pledged to reduce the size of the state by 40%, broaden the tax base, and prioritize a military response over peace efforts with armed groups. He also intends to restart oil exploration and permit fracking to nearly double oil production. His campaign claimed self-financing and growth without traditional party or business support, though an investigative outlet raised questions about his business dealings.
Comparisons have been drawn between De La Espriella and El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele due to his proposed security measures, including plans for 10 mega-prisons. De La Espriella has also faced scrutiny for his legal representation of individuals involved in corruption and financial crimes, including Alex Saab. A citizen of the United States, Italy, and Colombia, De La Espriella is scheduled to take office on August 7.