In Barranquilla, a wealthy lawyer known as "The Tiger" told cheering crowds that Colombia's history had changed. Abelardo de la Espriella, who had never held public office, won the presidency on June 21. The 47-year-old businessman won in a very close election. Official results show de la Espriella received 49.7 percent of the vote. His opponent, senator Iván Cepeda, received 48.7 percent. De la Espriella got 12.9 million votes, a new record in Colombia.
The election offered voters two different paths for the country. Cepeda, a human rights defender, promised to continue social programs and peace talks. He focused on reducing poverty and sharing land.
De la Espriella represented a shift to the right. He led a movement called Defenders of the Motherland and used social media and large rallies. He has citizenship in Colombia and the United States and lived in Florida for years. He also shows off a luxurious lifestyle, traveling by private jet and owning expensive cars and fashion items. Before politics, he was a successful lawyer for famous clients, including Alex Saab, who was linked to former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
His promises of strong security appealed to voters in areas affected by crime. De la Espriella plans to build large prisons and use the military against armed groups. He wants to stop peace talks and start a 90-day bombing campaign with U.S. help. He also plans to allow new oil and mining permits and support fracking. He campaigned against abortion and adoption by same-sex couples.
This victory suggests a major change in international relations. De la Espriella wants to improve ties with the United States. He received support from U.S. President Donald Trump. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also sent congratulations. The new leader plans to restore relations with Israel and open an embassy in Jerusalem.
The transfer of power on August 7, 2026, might face challenges. Cepeda's party plans to question vote counts in many polling stations. Meanwhile, President Petro claimed the Israeli government interfered with the election. International observers, however, called the election fair.
De la Espriella's win ends Colombia's first leftist government and returns the country to conservative leadership. It also reflects a growing conservative trend in Latin America. Many voters participated, but some submitted blank ballots as a protest. The new president will lead a divided nation that has chosen a strong new direction.