The newly elected leader was sworn in in Cali for the 2026-2030 term, amidst a historic shift in direction for the country following the departure of Gustavo Petro
The new president came to power through his movement Defensores de la Patria, after winning the runoff against leftist senator Iván Cepeda, succeeding the communist Gustavo Petro.
Abelardo de la Espriella was formally inaugurated as president of Colombia this Friday, in a ceremony held in the city of Cali, where he will serve during the 2026-2030 term. The event marked the beginning of a new political era in the country following the end of the communist Gustavo Petro's mandate.
The inauguration ceremony took place with the participation of national authorities and international guests, and the central moment was the oath taken by the president of the Senate, Honorio Henríquez, who also placed the presidential sash on the new leader.
De la Espriella's assumption of office comes after an electoral victory in the second round that opened a new political scenario in Colombia. His rise to power represents a significant shift from the previous administration, with an agenda focused on structural reforms, security, and policies aimed at reducing the size of the state.
Prior to his inauguration, the new president held meetings with various international leaders, including Argentine president Javier Milei, with whom he showed ideological affinity. During that meeting, De la Espriella praised Milei and described him as an “inspiration” and a “beacon,” highlighting his influence in the political process that led him to the presidency.
De la Espriella's arrival in government introduces a political shift focused on security policies and structural reforms.
His program is characterized by a “hardline” approach, which includes a total rejection of peace negotiations with terrorist groups and the implementation of measures such as bombing criminal camps, fumigating coca crops, and the construction of mega-prisons.
At the same time, the new leader also announced an ambitious state transformation plan. Among his main proposals is the reduction of the size of the state apparatus by 40%, along with a tax cut and the closure of various government agencies.
