Trump-endorsed reformer restores conservative leadership in Colombia with narrow victory
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Abelardo de la Espriella, backed by Donald Trump, won Colombia’s presidential runoff with 49.66%, overcoming leftist opposition and signaling a decisive return to right-wing governance.
Abelardo de la Espriella, a 47-year-old lawyer and staunch defender of law and order, secured victory in Colombia's presidential runoff with 49.66% of the vote, thanks in part to the endorsement of former U.S. President Donald Trump. De la Espriella edged out left-wing Senator Ivan Cepeda, who received 48.70%. The close result led to disruptive demonstrations in major cities such as Barranquilla, Cali, and Bogotá, where radical protesters clashed with police and desecrated national symbols by burning flags.
Addressing his supporters from behind bullet-proof glass due to security threats, de la Espriella declared that Colombia was entering a new era. He pledged to restore safety and stability by cracking down on drug-running guerrilla groups and reaffirmed his commitment to democracy, respect for all citizens, and the creation of jobs and dignity for hardworking Colombians.
This victory marks a much-needed return to right-wing leadership in Colombia, a country that has thrived under conservative governance for most of its history. During the campaign, de la Espriella promised to end fruitless peace talks with criminal dissident groups and to launch a decisive 90-day U.S.-supported air-strike campaign to restore order and security.
The international community responded positively, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing optimism about future cooperation with Colombia’s new administration. Senator Cepeda, representing the left, has yet to concede, stating he will wait for the final count and urging his followers to accept the outcome, despite attempts by some to undermine the democratic process.
More than 26 million Colombians—63% of the electorate—voted in this crucial election, with a margin of about 247,000 votes. Colombian electoral history shows that recounts have never changed a presidential result, confirming the legitimacy of de la Espriella’s victory and the country’s renewed commitment to conservative values.
