Abelardo de la Espriella Wins Colombia's First Round at 47 as Trump Backs Far-Right Lawyer
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Jun 21
Abelardo de la Espriella Wins Colombia's First Round at 47 as Trump Backs Far-Right Lawyer
3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Jun 21
Summary
Abelardo de la Espriella, 47, emerged from Colombia’s first presidential round as the leading candidate after overtaking Petro ally Iván Cepeda, setting up a decisive test of the country’s security-first turn.
His rise has been driven by backlash against President Gustavo Petro and fading faith in the 2016 peace accord, with de la Espriella promising megaprisons, bombings of “narco-terrorist camps” and an end to peace talks.
Donald Trump has openly endorsed de la Espriella, calling him a leader who would win “total support” from Washington, while Petro has accused the U.S. president of meddling in Colombia’s election.
The campaign has also drawn scrutiny in Washington: 11 Democratic lawmakers condemned Trump’s backing as interference and cited allegations over de la Espriella’s praise for paramilitaries and judicial bribery claims.
A de la Espriella presidency could sharply recast Colombia’s armed-conflict strategy from negotiation to a Bukele-style crackdown, raising the prospect of closer alignment with Trump’s anti-drug campaign and greater abuse risks.
Will Colombia's election create another El Salvador, trading civil liberties for security?
Is Colombia about to abandon its historic peace process for an iron-fist approach to crime?
Divided at the Ballot: Colombia’s 2026 Presidential Runoff and the Battle for National Direction
Overview
Colombia's runoff election on June 21, 2026, comes at a critical moment for a nation deeply divided over its future. The vote is seen as a stark choice that will shape Colombia's direction in a complex global environment. Shifting alliances and new power dynamics are at play, with former President Álvaro Uribe endorsing Abelardo de la Espriella after initial results, a move considered crucial for de la Espriella's chances. The outcome will serve as a referendum on the outgoing administration's legacy and determine how Colombia navigates its next chapter amid significant political and social challenges.