Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in as Colombia’s president at a ceremony in Cali on Friday. His inauguration ends Gustavo Petro’s left-wing government and marks a sharp shift to the right.
The right-wing politician, known by the nickname “The Tiger”, formally took office under a heavy security presence in the city of Cali, according to reporting by DR. The Danish broadcaster cites the news agencies Reuters and AFP, which both reported the ceremony on Friday local time.
De la Espriella is 48, a former lawyer and a political outsider. He won the second round of the presidential election in June, and DR describes him as an admirer of U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump supported him during the campaign, and de la Espriella promised a close relationship with Washington.
In his inauguration speech, the new president addressed criminal gangs and groups he described as narcoterrorist organizations. Per DR, he said they have two options: submit to the rule of law or face a resolute response from the Colombian state and its security forces.
He takes over a country facing a range of criminal groups involved in drug trafficking, illegal mining and extortion. His predecessor, Gustavo Petro, tried without success to negotiate peace with guerrilla groups.
Save up to 2,800 DKK on Your Electricity Bill
FindElpriser helps you switch electricity providers quickly and easily.
Reuters reported that de la Espriella campaigned on reducing the public sector by 40 percent and on reviving the oil and gas sector. AFP reported that he holds both American and Colombian citizenship. According to AFP, he has offered joint military operations and even the stationing of U.S. forces on Colombian soil.
Washington pledges security aid
Shortly after the inauguration, the U.S. State Department said the Trump administration plans to assist Colombia’s new government. As reported by Reuters, the department said the United States intends to work with Congress to announce one billion dollars in aid as part of a security package supporting the Espriella government. The department called the funding a cornerstone of the renewed partnership.
Guests at Friday’s ceremony included FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Argentina’s right-wing president, Javier Milei. Todd Blanche, Trump’s acting attorney general, also attended, according to DR.
Security in Cali was tightened significantly ahead of the event. AFP reported that around 11,000 soldiers were deployed in the area. The city has been hit by several attacks by guerrilla groups in recent years.
DR notes that the transfer of command was part of the inauguration, with the new president appearing in a military vehicle. Only Reuters and AFP have been cited in the Danish coverage as additional outlets reporting from the ceremony so far. No official statement from the Colombian government has been published alongside the inauguration reporting.
