20/06/2026 03:22 - Internacionales
Escena de diplomacia latinoamericana con banderas de Argentina y Colombia, ambiente de tensión política, contexto electoral, estilo periodístico profesional
The government of Colombia formally submitted a protest note on Friday following public statements by Argentina's President Javier Milei, who expressed open support for Colombian presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella ahead of the runoff election on Sunday, June 21, 2026.
Colombia's Foreign Ministry issued a firm statement declaring that "any expression of support, rejection, pressure, or intervention by a foreign authority aimed at favoring or harming any candidate constitutes improper conduct" in matters that belong exclusively to the Colombian people.
💡 What is a protest note? In diplomacy, a protest note is a formal written objection delivered by one government to another regarding actions or statements considered inappropriate or violations of international norms. It does not necessarily lead to conflict but serves as an official record of disagreement.
Polls released before the electoral blackout show three of four major polling firms placing De la Espriella ahead of Cepeda, though other surveys indicate a technical tie between the candidates.
President Milei posted on X (formerly Twitter) a message of support after a phone conversation with De la Espriella. In his post, Milei framed the election as a clash between opposing models:
"All my support to Abelardo de la Espriella for the ballotage on June 21. We spoke today by phone and agreed on something fundamental: this is Colombia's moment. The path is clear—more economic freedom, more security, more trade, and zero tolerance for transnational organized crime and drug trafficking."
Milei added that "the forces of freedom in the region are watching and supporting" and closed with his signature slogan: "Long live freedom, damn it!"
De la Espriella responded that Colombia would have an "excellent relationship" with Argentina if elected, thanking the Argentine president for his backing.
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Principle Invoked | Non-intervention in other States' internal affairs |
| Classification | Improper conduct disregarding the duty of prudence and mutual respect |
| Action Taken | Protest note submitted by the Foreign Ministry |
| Prior Context | The Colombian government had already called on international actors to act with prudence |
His followers call him "the Tiger" and he proposes transforming Colombia into a "miracle homeland", inspired by the experiences of South Korea and Ireland.
He has also received support from former U.S. President Donald Trump and is often compared to Nayib Bukele (El Salvador's president) for his hardline stance against crime.
Milei's backing reflects his alignment with regional right-wing leaders. The Argentine president has previously expressed affinity with figures like Donald Trump and Nayib Bukele, sharing an agenda focused on economic freedom, security, and fighting organized crime.
💡 About Javier Milei: Since taking office in December 2023, Argentina's libertarian president has positioned himself as a vocal opponent of left-wing governments in Latin America, often using provocative rhetoric and social media to amplify his message. His intervention in Colombia's election continues a pattern of publicly supporting ideologically aligned candidates across the region.
Despite diplomatic friction, this episode demonstrates the strength of Latin American democratic institutions. Both countries continue to engage through proper diplomatic channels, and Colombian citizens will ultimately decide their future at the ballot box—a testament to the region's commitment to democratic values.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
