Trump-backed hardliner narrowly seizes Colombia presidency amid protests
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Abelardo de la Espriella, supported by Donald Trump, eked out a win with 49.66% in Colombia’s runoff, sparking mass protests and fears of a crackdown as the country veers back toward right-wing rule.
Abelardo de la Espriella, a 47-year-old lawyer whose campaign was buoyed by the endorsement of former U.S. President Donald Trump, has been declared the winner of Colombia's presidential runoff with 49.66% of the vote. He narrowly defeated progressive Senator Ivan Cepeda, who garnered 48.70%. The razor-thin margin ignited widespread demonstrations in major cities such as Barranquilla, Cali, and Bogotá, where citizens, alarmed by the return of hardline policies, clashed with police and burned flags in defiance.
De la Espriella, addressing his supporters from behind bullet-proof glass—a stark symbol of the militarized politics he represents—proclaimed a 'new era' for Colombia and vowed to escalate the fight against drug-running guerrilla groups. He attempted to reassure the public by promising democracy and respect for all citizens, but many fear his administration will prioritize security crackdowns over social justice, employment, and dignity.
This election signals a troubling return to right-wing dominance in Colombia, a nation where conservative elites have long suppressed progressive movements. Throughout his campaign, de la Espriella openly threatened to end peace talks with dissident groups and launch a 90-day U.S.-backed air-strike campaign, raising concerns about renewed violence and disregard for human rights.
Internationally, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a staunch conservative, expressed eagerness for future cooperation with the incoming administration, signaling Washington’s approval of Colombia’s rightward shift. Meanwhile, Senator Cepeda has not conceded, stating he will recognize the official result once the count is finalized and urging his supporters to respect the process, even as many remain deeply skeptical.
Over 26 million Colombians—63% of eligible voters—participated in the election, with a margin of just 247,000 votes separating the candidates. Historically, recounts in Colombia have never overturned a presidential result, leaving many on the left bracing for a difficult four years ahead.
