Rightward Shift Moves in South America

A political shift toward the right has been gaining momentum across South America, with recent developments in Colombia marking another significant step in this trend. On Monday, Abelardo de la Espriella, a right-wing candidate known for his hardline stance, narrowly won the presidential runoff election in Colombia. This victory adds Colombia to a growing list of countries in the region—Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador—that have seen similar shifts toward more conservative governance over the past few years. According to Ulrich Brand, a political scientist and Latin America expert based at the University of Vienna, these nations share common challenges despite their differences, including deep economic crises and a preference among elites for authoritarian solutions to preserve their interests.

De la Espriella, who refers to himself as "El Tigre" (The Tiger), ran on a platform emphasizing strong leadership and decisive action to restore Colombia's former greatness. During his campaign, he stated that he had “the guts” to govern the country with a firm hand, echoing rhetoric reminiscent of U.S. President Donald Trump. Indeed, Trump was one of the first to congratulate de la Espriella on his victory, praising him on Truth Social. The election results showed a very close race, with de la Espriella securing 49.66 percent of the vote compared to his left-leaning opponent Ivan Cepeda’s 48.70 percent, indicating a deeply divided electorate.

This outcome fits into a broader pattern of political realignment across the continent. Since early 2023, several South American nations have experienced significant changes in their political landscapes. In March, José Antonio Kast assumed office as Chile’s president, representing a rightward tilt in that nation. In Peru, conservative politician Keiko Fujimori appears poised for a major win, while in Bolivia, Rodrigo Paz ended the long-standing rule of a leftist government in November 2023. Argentina and Ecuador also saw right-leaning leaders take power, with ultraliberal Javier Milei in Argentina and current president Daniel Noboa in Ecuador both coming to office since 2023.

Economic factors appear to play a crucial role in this political transformation. According to Ulrich Brand, the ongoing economic crisis has led many political elites to favor authoritarian approaches to safeguard their interests. He noted that between 2003 and 2014, economic conditions were more favorable, allowing for greater state intervention and redistribution policies. Leftist governments during that period benefited from improved infrastructure and social programs but struggled to make fundamental changes to entrenched economic structures such as high taxation on the wealthy or land reform.

Despite some progress in addressing poverty, indigenous rights, education, and healthcare, many foundational issues remain unresolved. These include the legacy of colonialism, feudal systems, and historical dictatorships. The "Le Monde" special edition on South America titled "Colonial Scars, Radical Present" highlights how support for leftist governments has declined even among populations that previously benefited most from their anti-poverty initiatives. This decline is evident in countries like Brazil and Bolivia, where voters have increasingly turned away from leftist agendas.

Brand emphasizes that understanding why citizens choose to support right-wing movements requires looking closely at each country’s unique circumstances. In Colombia, for instance, the left has historically faced opposition, which might explain why Cepeda performed better than expected. Observers note that issues such as violence, inflation, and corruption continue to plague the region, contributing to public dissatisfaction with existing political frameworks.

As these new administrations take shape, their impact on regional politics and international relations will become clearer. With figures like de la Espriella aligning themselves with leaders like Trump, there could be implications for trade agreements, foreign policy, and cooperation within South America. The future trajectory of these right-leaning governments will depend largely on their ability to address pressing domestic concerns while navigating complex geopolitical dynamics.