Key facts
- A populist candidate, nicknamed 'The Tiger,' is set to become Colombia's next president.
- The incoming leader, endorsed by Donald Trump, vowed to govern for all Colombians.
- He warned the outgoing president's supporters to prepare for opposition.
- The incoming leader's approach to crime echoes that of El Salvador's Nayib Bukele.
- Last year, Colombia recorded 14,780 homicides, the highest since at least 2015.
A populist candidate, nicknamed 'The Tiger' and endorsed by Donald Trump, is on the verge of becoming Colombia's next president, signaling a potential shift in the country's political landscape. The incoming leader, who is 47 years old, has vowed to govern for all Colombians but also issued a stern warning to the supporters of outgoing President Gustavo Petro, telling them to 'pack your bags and prepare to become the opposition.'
Petro's camp, represented by Cepeda, responded by cautioning against threats, stating that they are not intimidated. The transition comes amid ongoing concerns about violence and economic hardship in Colombia. Last year, the country recorded 14,780 homicides, the highest number since at least 2015, driven by clashes among illegal armed groups. Voters like Yolanda Hernández expressed a desire for change, citing unfulfilled promises by Petro regarding the cost of living and the persistent issue of violence.
The incoming president has proposed a robust approach to combating crime and drug trafficking, mirroring tactics employed by El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele, which have been credited with lowering homicide rates but also criticized for human rights abuses. The new president is set to begin a four-year term on August 7.