Colombia’s new conservative president, Abelardo de la Espriella, was sworn into office on Friday, August 9, marking a significant political shift in the country after four years of leftist leadership under former President Gustavo Petro.
De la Espriella, 48, took the oath of office in Cali, breaking with tradition by holding the inauguration outside the capital, Bogotá. The ceremony took place at the Arena USC amphitheater of the University of Cali and was attended by regional leaders, including Argentina’s President Javier Milei, Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa, and Chile’s President José Antonio Kast, as well as U.S. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Security measures and inauguration details
The event occurred under heightened security, with 11,000 troops deployed in Cali to prevent potential attacks. Authorities banned drones and restricted private vehicle access in the city during the inauguration. De la Espriella was sworn in by the head of the Colombian Senate, Honorio Miguel Henríquez Pineda, and then administered the oath to his vice president, José Manuel Restrepo.
In his first speech as president, delivered at the Cantón Pichincha military base, de la Espriella emphasized restoring order and sovereignty, stating: “The time has come to restore order, authority, and freedom.” He also announced Colombia’s participation in The Shield of the Americas, a security alliance founded by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Policy shifts and campaign promises
De la Espriella, known by the nickname “El Tigre” (The Tiger), campaigned on a platform of combating organized crime, dismantling drug trafficking networks, and reversing Petro’s policies. His agenda includes plans to bomb cocaine labs, build “mega prisons,” and reduce government spending to address a budget deficit that doubled under Petro. He has also pledged to strengthen ties with the United States, including potential joint military operations and hosting U.S. troops in Colombia.
The inauguration marked a stark contrast to Petro’s tenure, which focused on a “Total Peace” strategy involving negotiations with armed groups. Petro, Colombia’s first leftist president, concluded his term on the same day, releasing an AI-generated farewell video that summarized his administration’s achievements.
Regional and international reactions
De la Espriella’s presidency aligns with a broader trend of conservative leadership in Latin America, as evidenced by the presence of regional leaders at his inauguration. The U.S. delegation, led by Acting Attorney General Blanche, underscored the importance of Colombia as a key security and trade partner in South America.
Background: The election and transition
De la Espriella defeated far-left Senator Iván Cepeda in a June 21 presidential runoff, running on a platform of economic revival and security restoration. His victory followed Petro’s four-year term, during which he pursued progressive policies, including efforts to legalize cocaine and negotiate with armed groups. Petro’s administration also faced criticism for rising violence in rural areas, where drug gangs and rebel groups have expanded their influence.
De la Espriella and Restrepo will serve a four-year term, concluding on August 7, 2030.