De la Espriella approved the "submission" law after its rushed passage through Congress

El EspectadorIndependentConservativeNov 5

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella signed Law 2640 of 2026, known as the 'surrender law,' into effect just before a midnight deadline to prevent the expiration of the existing Public Order Law. The legislation was passed by Congress through simultaneous sessions in the Senate and House of Representatives, marking a definitive end to the negotiation processes established under former President Gustavo Petro’s 'Total Peace' policy. The new legal framework requires armed groups to fully identify their members, release hostages and victims of trafficking, and provide information on missing persons in exchange for reduced prison sentences. While the law offers a 50% penalty reduction based on truth-telling and victim reparation, it explicitly excludes individuals convicted of illegal recruitment of minors from participating in the surrender process. Additionally, arrest warrants and extradition requests remain active for those entering the program, and participants must surrender assets, weapons, and illicit routes.

Bias read (Conservative): The headline uses the pejorative term 'contrarreloj' (against the clock) to frame the legislative speed negatively, while the body emphasizes the closure of peace negotiations and strict conditions, reflecting a critical stance toward the executive's hardline security approach.

SemanaIndependentConservativeNov 5

On November 4, Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella signed into law the 'Ley de Sometimiento' after its approval by Congress. The legislation terminates the peace management structures and criminal benefits associated with former President Gustavo Petro’s 'Total Peace' policy. In his social media announcement, De La Espriella described the previous administration’s approach as a 'false total peace' and declared its end. Key provisions of the new law include increasing the minimum prison term required for access to differentiated legal treatment for money laundering offenses from one year to six years. Additionally, individuals convicted of illegal recruitment of minors under 18 are explicitly barred from receiving these legal benefits.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the repeal of the predecessor's policies as a definitive victory against 'false peace,' heavily relying on the current president's celebratory rhetoric while omitting critical perspectives on the dismantling of transitional justice mechanisms.

El EspectadorIndependentConservativeNov 4

The Colombian Congress approved a new law replacing President Gustavo Petro’s 'Total Peace' strategy with a framework of criminal submission proposed by the administration of Abelardo de la Espriella. Passed hastily before the expiration of existing public order policies, the legislation mandates that armed groups surrender weapons, assets, and illegal routes in exchange for reduced prison sentences, while maintaining active arrest warrants and extradition requests. Experts question the law's viability due to limited incentives and the executive branch's concurrent focus on a hardline security offensive. The bill received significant support in both chambers, effectively ending previous negotiation processes and establishing rules for the next four years.

Bias read (Conservative): The headline uses aggressive metaphors like 'final blow' to describe the shift away from peace negotiations toward a hardline security approach, reflecting a critical stance toward the previous administration's diplomatic efforts.

SemanaIndependentConservativeNov 3

Colombian fashion entrepreneur Juan Raul Velez discussed economic conditions during an interview with Spanish journalist Eva Rey. He noted that businesses generally suffer during government transitions and currency fluctuations, citing the high exchange rate under former President Ivan Duque as a specific example of increased costs. Velez expressed strong support for the election of Abelardo De La Espriella, arguing that continuing with the policies of current President Gustavo Petro would lead to economic collapse within four years. When asked about the potential presidency of left-wing candidate Ivan Cepeda, Velez stated he did not see him as knowledgeable about economic matters and described him as dogmatic. The entrepreneur emphasized his preference for avoiding broader political debates while maintaining that the recent change in leadership was beneficial for the sector.

Bias read (Conservative): The article highlights an entrepreneur's explicit endorsement of a right-wing figure and harsh criticism of leftist candidates using terms like 'dogmatic' and predictions of total economic ruin under their governance.