La foto: Petro se reunió con el Papa León XIV en el Vaticano

Abelardo de la Espriella has taken his first steps as the newly elected president of Colombia, sending clear signals about how he intends to govern. In the eight days since his victory, he has outlined a vision that emphasizes security, economic stability, and institutional integrity. His approach appears to be a direct response to the previous administration's policies, which he criticizes as having led to economic stagnation, increased crime, and weakened institutions.

From the outset, De la Espriella has sought to reassure voters who did not support him, emphasizing that their rights will remain protected and that he will govern for all Colombians. At the same time, he has made it clear that he will not tolerate actions that could lead to social unrest, particularly from figures such as Gustavo Petro and Iván Cepeda. He has also signaled a break from the previous government’s approach to peace negotiations, rejecting the peace agreement with the FARC and instead advocating for a more forceful stance against armed groups.

De la Espriella has emphasized the need to restore harmony between the executive branch and other branches of government. Early on, he reached out to representatives of the three high courts and announced plans to normalize relations among the powers of the state. This contrasts sharply with the earlier rhetoric of his campaign group, which had been more confrontational toward Congress. The appointment of Rodrigo Lara as Minister of the Interior further underscores this shift, with Lara pledging to defend the Constitution and the rule of law.

Another key aspect of De la Espriella’s strategy is his focus on regional governance rather than centralized power based in Bogotá. During a live broadcast, he announced a territorial alignment across the country’s 32 departments, stating that he would govern "with the regions and for the regions." In the early days of his presidency, he traveled to several cities, including La Guajira, where he held meetings with mayors and emphasized the importance of working closely with local leaders to implement policies effectively from day one.

De la Espriella has also laid the groundwork for governing under a narrative of imminent crisis. In a detailed address, he outlined the challenges he believes the country faces, including economic pressure, inflation exceeding targets set by the Bank of the Republic, rising public debt, energy crises, and the risk of blackouts. He mentioned that the Inter-American Development Bank would provide technical support during the transition period. This narrative of crisis can serve as justification for swift measures, strong reforms, and potentially granting extraordinary powers, as he had previously promised during his campaign.

The new government’s agenda is centered around transforming the state and restoring institutional stability. It focuses on concrete pillars such as family, work, faith, private property, and security. These values are directed towards specific groups affected by current conditions, including farmers unable to cultivate their land due to armed groups, entrepreneurs hesitant to invest because of unstable regulations, young people who have left the country seeking opportunities elsewhere, and ordinary citizens who avoid going out due to crime.

Security remains a top priority, with De la Espriella explicitly rejecting negotiation with criminal organizations. His government plans include aerial spraying, manual eradication, and expedited land confiscation to eliminate the 330,000 hectares of coca cultivation recorded nationwide. Additionally, there are proposals for a special unit to combat extortion and a frontline security force composed of veterans and reserve members of the Public Force. This approach aims to ensure that organized crime does not hold more authority in certain areas than the government itself.

Beyond security, the new administration seeks to ease the tax burden on the productive sector, which was significantly strained under the previous government. The proposed tax reform aims to simplify the system without increasing taxes, abolish the 4×1,000 tax, create incentives for companies generating formal employment, and expand the tax base through economic growth. This move is intended to attract foreign investment and stimulate job creation, aiming for three million new jobs, a 20% reduction in poverty, a 50% decrease in violence, and the transformation of a million families into homeowners.

Combating corruption is another central pillar of the new government. De la Espriella views corruption not merely as a minor issue but as a severe form of betrayal to the nation, undermining trust, legitimacy, and public resources. His administration is committed to addressing these issues to rebuild confidence in public institutions and ensure transparency in governance.

As the new administration prepares to take office, its immediate priorities will likely involve implementing these policies while navigating potential resistance from opposition forces and ensuring continuity in critical sectors. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the promises of the new government translate into tangible improvements for Colombian society.