Abelardo De La Espriella has been officially sworn in as president of Colombia during an inauguration ceremony held in the southwestern city of Cali. Senate President Honorio Henriquez placed the presidential sash on the new leader during the event.
The 48-year-old millionaire took office with a vow to combat rebel groups and drug trafficking across the country. De La Espriella said before God that he promised the Colombian people he would faithfully respect the Constitution and the laws of the nation.
His presidency is expected to strengthen diplomatic ties between Bogota and Washington. The transition also marks an end to peace negotiations with rebel groups that were initiated by his predecessor, leftist former president Gustavo Petro.
Security policy and prison construction
De La Espriella promised to intensify military and law enforcement operations against drug cartels and armed rebel movements in Colombia, which remains the largest producer of cocaine in the world. He announced plans to build massive new prisons, including underground cells situated tens of meters below the surface where inmates would receive only bread and water.
The new president praised the security policies of El Salvador President Nayib Bukele and Ecuador President Daniel Noboa. He also expressed support for drastic cuts in government spending similar to measures taken by Argentina President Javier Milei.
Political background and campaign promises
Before entering politics, De La Espriella built his career as a prominent lawyer representing former paramilitaries, drug traffickers, professional football players, and business executives. He is married, has four children, and has no prior political experience.
U.S. President Donald Trump supported De La Espriella during the presidential election campaign. During the campaign, De La Espriella frequently offered military-style salutes to supporters and said he possessed the guts required to govern Colombia with an iron fist.
