Colombia’s De la Espriella Sworn In, Pledges Military Alliance with US and Israel
Abelardo de la Espriella takes office in Cali, outlining plans to host US troops and sever ties with Cuba and Nicaragua, while outgoing President Gustavo Petro calls for protests.
Conservative Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in as Colombia’s president on Friday, marking a decisive shift in the nation’s political trajectory. The 48-year-old former lawyer and businessman secured the presidency in a close June 21 runoff against Senator Ivan Cepeda, an ally of outgoing President Gustavo Petro. De la Espriella’s inauguration, held at a university in Cali rather than the capital Bogota, signalled a departure from traditional protocol and underscored his focus on security challenges in regions affected by armed conflict.
In his inaugural address, De la Espriella vowed to eradicate what he termed "narcoterrorism," declaring that the option of dialogue with rebel groups was "completely exhausted." This stance contrasts sharply with the peace-oriented policies of his predecessor. The new president promised to restore "order, authority and freedom," indicating a hardline approach that includes the potential construction of mega-prisons to house captured rebels and drug traffickers.
A central pillar of De la Espriella’s foreign policy involves strengthening military cooperation with the United States and Israel. He has committed to forging a military alliance with both nations, including plans to host US troops on Colombian soil and launch joint military operations. This alignment follows his endorsement of US President Donald Trump and a pledge to join the US-backed "Shield of the Americas" coalition aimed at combating drug trafficking.
The inauguration ceremony in Cali, Colombia’s third-largest city and a hub for drug-trafficking corridors, was attended by several international figures. Guests included King Felipe VI of Spain, acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and regional leaders such as Argentina’s Javier Milei, Ecuador’s Daniel Noboa, and Chile’s Jose Antonio Kast. The presence of these delegates highlighted the new administration’s intent to realign Colombia with conservative governments across Latin America.
De la Espriella, known by the nickname "El Tigre," has also announced significant changes to diplomatic relations. He plans to resume ties with Israel while severing diplomatic links with Cuba and Nicaragua. His campaign was funded through profits from his law firm and business ventures in agri-food, real estate, and fashion. His victory continues a regional trend of right-wing electoral successes, following similar outcomes in Chile and Costa Rica.
Outgoing President Gustavo Petro declined to attend the ceremony, alleging election fraud without providing evidence. Petro called for mass protests on Friday, opposing the new administration’s security-focused agenda. As De la Espriella prepares to address remnants of the FARC guerrillas and other armed groups, the nation faces a new era defined by military cooperation and a rejection of previous peace negotiations.
