Meet 'El Tigre': Abelardo de la Espriella, a lawyer and businessman with no previous political role, has just been elected president of Colombia in a razor‑thin runoff against Iván Cepeda.
Trump‑strengthened: The former U.S. president personally endorsed de la Espriella, promising to “stop illegal immigration, crack down on crime and drugs, and restore law and order.” The support was brightened by supporters wearing yellow football jerseys and waving Colombian flags.
Security crackdown plan: Unlike the current administration, which favoured negotiation with guerrilla groups, de la Espriella vows to smash armed factions, demolish cartels, rebuild mega prisons in the jungle and cut down the state’s role in the health system.
What it means for Colombia: The elimination of talks with illegal groups could push the country back into a hard‑line militaristic era, while critics warn the vote is a shallow “court‑room” outcome that might trigger unrest.
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