The turning point for Colombia

Abelardo de la Espriella, a former lawyer with no prior political experience, has become Colombia’s new president following a closely contested election against leftist candidate Iván Cepeda. His victory marks a shift toward the right in Latin America, continuing a trend of governments changing hands under conservative leadership. De la Espriella succeeds Gustavo Petro, who was the first leftist president in Colombian history. The transition reflects a significant change in governance, with De la Espriella pledging policies centered around free-market principles, strict law enforcement, and conservative stances on social issues. However, his lack of political background raises questions about how he will manage a country facing economic stagnation, deep-rooted violence, inequality, and high expectations for transformation. De la Espriella took office on August 7, 2026, after winning the runoff election by less than one percent, the narrowest margin in over a century. This slim victory suggests that many Colombians view him with skepticism rather than optimism. His campaign focused heavily on breaking away from Petro's policies, which had emphasized dialogue and reconciliation with armed groups. De la Espriella’s approach, however, appears more confrontational, promising to address security concerns through stricter measures and to reassess the special tribunal established to judge crimes related to Colombia’s long-standing conflict. The new president’s first major challenge came almost immediately upon assuming office. On August 10, a powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 struck western Colombia, with its epicenter near San José del Palmar in the department of Chocó. The disaster left at least 132 dead and over 570 injured, with hundreds still missing. De la Espriella responded swiftly, taking direct control of the emergency response and ordering the establishment of a Unified Command Post. He also declared a national state of disaster and deployed military forces and search-and-rescue teams to affected areas. While dealing with the crisis, De la Espriella’s government made another notable move by freezing diplomatic relations with the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (RASD) and recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara. This decision reversed a policy initiated by Petro, who had restored ties with the RASD shortly after taking office in 2022. The new administration justified the move based on international law, citing the United Nations' stance that the RASD is not recognized as a sovereign entity. Additionally, Colombia announced recognition of Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights, a territory occupied by Israel since 1967. De la Espriella’s assumption of power has been marked by controversy and polarization. Unlike previous presidents, he chose to take the oath of office outside Bogotá, in Cali, a city known for its strong conservative leanings. The ceremony included religious elements, with several clergy members blessing his presidency and invoking divine support. His inaugural speech emphasized a break from the legacy of Petro, calling for a profound transformation of the nation and referencing historical figures associated with traditional conservatism. The transition from Petro’s administration has been accompanied by allegations of corruption. Investigations have revealed that funds allocated for disaster relief were allegedly misused to secure legislative support for Petro’s reforms. These revelations have cast a shadow over his tenure, with some officials facing charges and others being called to testify. De la Espriella has pledged to combat systemic corruption, promising a thorough review of public projects and contracts. Despite these challenges, De la Espriella faces a complex landscape. Colombia must navigate demographic changes, including an aging population, while also addressing opportunities arising from regional shifts, such as the evolving situation in neighboring Venezuela. His ability to build on the progress made during Petro’s term, particularly in reducing poverty and improving living conditions, will be crucial to maintaining public support and achieving his goals. As De la Espriella begins his presidency, the focus will remain on managing the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, addressing security concerns, and implementing policies aimed at restoring trust in institutions. His decisions on foreign policy, domestic reforms, and handling of the ongoing debate over corruption will shape the trajectory of his administration in the coming years.