Jorge Barón dusted off conversation with Abelardo de la Espriella before his presidential aspiration: Three years ago

As the Colombian presidential election approaches its second round, political tensions have escalated with international involvement and internal debates over campaign strategies. The latest developments include former U.S. President Donald Trump's continued support for Abelardo de la Espriella, a prominent candidate in the race, despite calls from Colombian lawmakers to avoid interference in the country’s elections. Trump has posted multiple messages on his social media platform, Truth Social, expressing backing for de la Espriella, whom he refers to as "El Tigre." These endorsements come just weeks before the final vote, adding another layer of complexity to an already polarized political landscape.

The first of these messages was published on June 2, when Trump publicly declared his full support for de la Espriella, stating that if the candidate wins, the United States would provide all necessary support and strength to Colombia. This message was repeated recently, with similar language emphasizing de la Espriella’s potential to fulfill the expectations of the Colombian people. In response, de la Espriella expressed gratitude for the endorsement, which has further energized his supporters. However, the involvement of a foreign leader in a domestic election process has raised concerns among some Colombian officials and citizens about the influence of external actors on national affairs.

In addition to the international dimension, internal political discourse has also intensified. Carlos Carrillo, a former director of the National Risk Management Unit, warned during an interview that if de la Espriella were to win, it could lead to significant unrest in the country. He argued that the nation is deeply divided, with half of the population identifying with the "petrismo" movement, which seeks progressive policies. According to Carrillo, this segment of society might react negatively to de la Espriella’s rhetoric, potentially leading to protests or other forms of civil unrest.

This warning was refuted by Armando Benedetti, the minister of the Interior and the electoral guarantor for the upcoming vote. Benedetti dismissed Carrillo’s predictions as overly alarmist, suggesting that such statements risk creating unnecessary panic. He emphasized that Carrillo, who holds considerable influence within leftist circles, should refrain from making such forecasts. Benedetti’s stance reflects the broader government position, which aims to maintain stability ahead of the election.

Meanwhile, legal scrutiny continues to mount against public officials involved in political activities. According to Attorney General Gregorio Eljach, there are now 181 ongoing cases involving public servants accused of participating in politics, up from 142 just over a month ago. Since then, approximately 10 new complaints have been filed, and in 13 instances, temporary suspensions have been imposed on affected individuals. Notably, these suspensions have included high-profile figures such as Colombia’s ambassadors to Haiti and Brazil, Vilma Velásquez and Alfredo Saade, respectively, as well as Carrillo himself.

These legal actions highlight the growing concern over the intersection between public service and political engagement, particularly in the context of an approaching election. The government appears determined to enforce strict adherence to ethical guidelines, even if it means taking disciplinary measures against those found to be violating them.

Another point of contention has emerged around the use of cultural symbols in political campaigns. A newly released version of the traditional vallenato song "Que te coma el tigre," originally made famous by the late singer Diomedes Díaz, has sparked controversy. Adapted by several prominent artists, including Alex Manga, Óscar Gamarra, and Franco Arguelles, the song has become a rallying cry for de la Espriella’s supporters. While many see this as a natural extension of the genre’s long-standing association with political movements, others argue that using such iconic music for partisan purposes risks deepening divisions among voters.

Supporters of de la Espriella have embraced the song enthusiastically, viewing it as a powerful expression of solidarity. They argue that artists have every right to express their political preferences, especially given the historical role of music in mobilizing communities. On the other hand, critics contend that the use of such culturally significant material in a highly charged political climate could exacerbate existing tensions and alienate parts of the audience.

Despite the controversy, de la Espriella has received robust backing from notable figures within the vallenato community. Artists such as Silvestre Dangond, Juancho de la Espriella, and Poncho Zuleta have publicly supported him, often sharing their endorsements on social media or during live performances. Their presence underscores the extent to which de la Espriella’s campaign has managed to tap into the emotional and cultural resonance of the vallenato tradition.

While the opposition has yet to match this level of artistic support, it remains to be seen how they will respond to the increasing visibility of de la Espriella within the music scene. As the election draws closer, the interplay between political messaging, cultural symbolism, and legal accountability will likely continue to shape the narrative surrounding the contest.