Abelardo de la Espriella, a conservative lawyer and new US citizen, calls himself "The Tiger." He is currently the leading candidate to become Colombia's next president. In the first election on May 31, 2026, he won 43.7 percent of the vote. He will face progressive lawmaker Iván Cepeda, who got 40.9 percent, in a runoff election on June 21. De la Espriella has promised a tough approach to crime, vowing to destroy coca fields and stop drug shipments to the US. Even Donald Trump endorsed him, predicting better relations if he wins.
This situation in Bogotá reflects a larger political shift across Latin America. Just a few years ago, progressive candidates were winning elections in countries like Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Peru, often due to economic problems and inequality. Now, that trend has stopped.
The main reason for this change is public safety. According to NBC News, right-wing candidates are becoming more popular by promising strong law enforcement and strict border control. Many voters are scared, and crime statistics explain why. Although the overall homicide rate in Latin America and the Caribbean decreased slightly last year, some areas face severe crises. Extortion is increasing, and murders related to drugs are rising in countries like Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador.
Colombia had 14,780 homicides last year, the highest since 2020. Peru reported 2,400 murders, also a high for the decade. Many voters are looking at El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele, whose tough policies on crime have become a model for other politicians. Promising strict security measures seems to be a successful strategy.
This trend is changing the political landscape. In Chile, ultra-conservative José Antonio Kast won the presidency in December 2025, partly due to fears about crime and migration. In February 2026, Costa Rica elected conservative Laura Fernández, whose campaign focused on law enforcement. In Honduras, Nasry Asfura won an election with Trump's support. Peru is also preparing for a runoff election where crime is a major issue.
In Colombia, the upcoming election is very important. The current president, Gustavo Petro, has criticized Trump's endorsement of De la Espriella. However, for voters tired of violence, the promise of order from a candidate like "The Tiger" might be more appealing than political norms. Latin American politics is moving strongly to the right, driven by concerns about crime.