COOwnership & classification
Founded: 1887
Ownership
El Espectador is Colombia's oldest newspaper, founded in 1887 by journalist Fidel Cano Gutiérrez and run by the Cano family for over a century. Since 1997 its controlling shareholder has been Valorem S.A. (formerly Valores Bavaria), the publicly traded holding company of the Santo Domingo family, one of Colombia's wealthiest dynasties, led by Alejandro Santo Domingo. The Cano family retains only a token minority stake of under 1%.
Funding
It is financed commercially through advertising, print sales and digital subscriptions, as part of the Valorem media portfolio that also includes the Caracol broadcasting interests. No state budget or party subsidy is involved.
Affiliation & stance
Historically a Liberal-leaning, center-left daily known for investigative journalism, it operates as a private commercial enterprise of the Santo Domingo business group with editorial independence and no party or government control. It is therefore correctly classified as INDEPENDENT (privately and commercially owned), with a center-left lean.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Left
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 265
74/100
Factual
75/100
Objective
311
Articles
311
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
La foto: Petro se reunió con el Papa León XIV en el Vaticano
Previsalud: more than 25 years bringing quality health where it is needed most
Prosecutor's office is investigating Daniel Quintero for political involvement
The strong message of Rodrigo Lara to the congressmen of the Historical Pact who will make opposition to Abelardo De La Espriella
The idea of the "voto fusil" stigmatizes the peripheries of Colombia
Cepeda on the inquiry into Uribe for massacres: a significant breakthrough
Heads up: Suspected hitman of journalist Cristian Herrera captured in Cúcuta
ICBF reveals new details of the foreign case and a minor on a balcony in northern Bogotá: it's very important to clarify
Recent coverage
President Petro asked Trump to help him get off the Clinton list: there was a call
The article reports that Colombian President Gustavo Petro requested assistance from former U.S. President Donald Trump to remove Colombia from the 'Clinton List,' which imposes trade restrictions on countries deemed to have human rights violations. The report mentions that there was a phone call between Petro and Trump regarding this matter. The piece highlights the diplomatic effort by Petro to address concerns raised by the United States under the Biden administration, which inherited the list from the Obama era.
Con reglas definidas, Restrepo y Ávila llegan a la primera reunión de empalme
The transition between Colombia's outgoing and incoming governments has officially begun with the first meeting between Germán Ávila, the current Minister of Finance, and José Manuel Restrepo, the designated representative of the new government. The process starts amid President Gustavo Petro's absence on a trip to Italy and as Congress prepares to begin a new legislative term. Restrepo had previously outlined six conditions for the transition, emphasizing that it should not be limited to a 'simple transfer of documents.' These included appointing two officials per ministry as liaisons, establishing a schedule for meetings, creating mechanisms to track information, defining handling procedures for sensitive data, extending the transition until July 27, and involving the Office of the Attorney General and the Comptroller General. In response, Ávila confirmed the government would initiate the transition in an 'ordered, transparent, responsible, and respectful' manner. The government issued a directive outlining the rules for the transition, including forming a committee, setting up work plans, sectoral subcommittees, working tables, and recording all meetings. The team accompanying副总
De La Espriella quiere partido político propio y pone a prueba al CNE
Abelardo de La Espriella, recently declared president by the National Electoral Council (CNE), has begun forming his own political party called 'Defensores de La Patria.' The movement currently lacks legal recognition and cannot participate in future elections until the CNE formally acknowledges it. De La Espriella argues he has the right to establish the party due to receiving 12.9 million votes in the presidential election. However, the CNE faces challenges in recognizing new parties, as previous approvals were later overturned by the State Council due to procedural errors. Some CNE judges may favor granting recognition to align with political interests, especially since two judges aim to run in regional elections in 2027 and could benefit from supporting the president’s party. The formation of this party tests the CNE’s independence and adherence to strict legal requirements.
These will be the challenges facing the new Congress that takes office in two weeks
The article outlines the challenges that the newly forming Congress in Colombia will face within two weeks of its installation. It highlights key issues such as legislative reforms, budget allocation, and political negotiations among different factions. The piece emphasizes the complexity of navigating a divided political landscape while addressing pressing national concerns. However, the article does not provide specific details or quotes from officials, relying instead on general observations about the political environment.
Venezuela ya suma 1.430 muertos por terremoto
A powerful double earthquake measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck the central coast of Venezuela, resulting in over 1,430 deaths and 3,328 injuries. The tremors triggered more than 130 aftershocks, some exceeding magnitude 6. The most affected state, La Guaira, remains under military control with restricted access and limited media presence. International rescue teams from at least eleven countries, including 63 Colombian rescuers, have arrived in Venezuela with humanitarian aid. The United Nations has emphasized coordination through the Venezuelan government to avoid duplication of efforts. Damage includes collapsed buildings, trapped people and animals, and disruptions to communications and infrastructure across several states. The US Geological Survey estimates economic losses could reach up to 7% of Venezuela’s GDP, with a 41% chance of fatalities ranging between 10,000 and 100,000. Venezuela’s interim president announced a $200 million reconstruction fund and suspended non-essential activities. Colombia confirmed 24 Colombian nationals died in the disaster, with 47 others, including 19 child athletes, repatriated.
Informed breakfast with the keys to this July 3, 2026
The article covers several key developments in Venezuela on July 3, 2026. Five days after being officially declared president by the National Electoral Council (CNE), Abelardo De la Espriella founded his political party 'Defensores de La Patria' to qualify for state funding and electoral endorsements. He claims eligibility based on receiving 12.9 million votes. This move could challenge the outgoing CNE, which includes magistrates potentially interested in regional elections. President Delcy Rodríguez reported over 2,595 deaths and 12,400 injured from two earthquakes on June 24, affecting La Guaira state. The incoming government transition teams will meet at Casa de Nariño. Meanwhile, Colombia's national team faces Ghana in the World Cup, with potential next-round matches against Switzerland. The earthquakes triggered a humanitarian crisis, raising questions about political, economic, and migration impacts on Venezuela and neighboring countries like Colombia.
This Friday will be the first meeting of the presidential splicing committee: this is known
The article reports that this Friday will mark the first meeting of the presidential transition commission in Colombia. The commission is likely involved in facilitating the handover of power between outgoing and incoming administrations. Such commissions typically handle tasks like transferring documents, ensuring continuity in policies, and addressing any outstanding issues from the previous administration. This is a standard procedural step in democratic transitions, though the specific responsibilities and members of this particular commission were not detailed in the provided text.
Terms of reference for the new head of the health sector
The article discusses the current state of Colombia's health sector under the previous administration, highlighting concerns over increased tutelas (legal actions) due to barriers in accessing healthcare services and a regression in financial protection for the poorest 10 million Colombians. The tenure of two former ministers, Carolina Corcho and Guillermo Alfonso Jaramillo, is criticized for breaking an informal agreement that kept healthcare out of political conflict and weakening technical capacity within the system. The health sector was once recognized across Latin America for its efficiency and low per capita spending while maintaining high access indicators. However, recent policies have led to a decline in governance, trust, and performance. The article emphasizes the need for the next health minister to prioritize independence, strategic direction, and effective governance to address both immediate crises and long-term challenges.
The Tino Asprilla calls a multitudinous cavalcade to "dismiss" to Gustavo Petro
Former Colombian footballer Faustino 'El Tino' Asprilla has sparked controversy by announcing a symbolic event called the 'Gran Cabalgata de despedida de los de la Casa de Nariño,' scheduled for August 1 at his ranch in Tuluá, Valle del Cauca. The event is widely interpreted as a farewell to President Gustavo Petro’s administration, despite Asprilla clarifying it is not a competitive race but a symbolic gathering. He invited all attendees regardless of political affiliation, emphasizing participation over political alignment. The announcement generated strong reactions online, with some viewing it as a festive critique of the current government and others seeing it as divisive during a sensitive period of presidential transition. Asprilla had previously been active in supporting Abelardo De La Espriella’s presidential campaign.
Sleep informed with the keys to this July 2, 2026
The article covers several key developments in Colombia’s political transition. It reports that President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella has appointed Fabio Arjona, a former environmental official, as Minister of Environment, marking a shift from the previous administration’s community-focused approach. The first meeting between outgoing and incoming governments was described as amicable, with plans for continued coordination. The Attorney General rejected a request to delay the investigation into former president Álvaro Uribe over alleged crimes against humanity, which Uribe called politically motivated. Vice President-elect José Manuel Restrepo urged the current government not to introduce a new tax reform, while the incoming finance minister criticized past fiscal policies. Additionally, the Council of State temporarily suspended a resolution allowing negotiations with the Second Marquetalia rebel group.
Without recognizing Abelardo's victory, Pacto announces a new political stage
The Historical Pact led by Senator Iván Cepeda has officially acknowledged defeat in the preliminary count results, which declared Abelardo de la Espriella as the winner. Despite raising over 57,000 complaints during the recount process, the party does not expect significant changes to the outcome. The Pact has announced a new political phase, positioning itself as the opposition leader under the incoming government, with Cepeda at the helm. To achieve this, they plan to hold a national convention to define their strategy and focus on defending democratic freedoms, social achievements, environmental justice, and building a shared agenda for Colombia’s future. They will also conduct nationwide assemblies, territorial meetings, and political committees to prepare for the 2027 local elections. Meanwhile, Juan Fernando Cristo, who served as Cepeda’s political operator, was the first to recognize de la Espriella’s victory after the initial scrutiny phase, which showed a 99.97% alignment with the preliminary count. Cepeda took responsibility for any campaign missteps and reiterated his commitment to ethical politics, rejecting easy compromises or superficial tactics.
Radiography of the regional splice: the four macro-projects that the Cauca Valley will bring to the table of President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella
The article reports on the Valle del Cauca department’s initiative to present four major projects to the newly elected president, Abelardo de la Espriella, emphasizing collaboration between regional authorities and the national government. The governor, Dilian Francisca Toro, highlights the importance of restoring dialogue with the national government to prioritize strategic infrastructure and social investment projects. Key initiatives include the Tren de Cercanías, an aqueduct for Buenaventura, educational programs, and efforts to replace illicit crops. The article underscores the regional government’s commitment to addressing local needs through collaborative development.
It's a humanitarian crisis: Restrepo spoke about the plan they will implement in the health sector
The article reports on comments made by Restrepo regarding a plan to be implemented in the healthcare sector, describing the situation as a 'humanitarian crisis.' The focus is on the challenges facing the healthcare system and the proposed measures to address them. No specific details about the plan or its implementation timeline are provided. The tone suggests urgency and concern over the state of healthcare services.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
