23/06/2026 03:20 - Internacionales
Colombia has a new president-elect. Abelardo de la Espriella, popularly known as "El Tigre" ("The Tiger"), won the second electoral round held on June 21, 2026 with a margin of approximately 250,000 votes over his rival Iván Cepeda, according to the official count by Colombia's National Civil Registry.
Context for international readers: Colombia is South America's third-most populous country (approximately 52 million inhabitants) and a key U.S. ally in the region. The country has faced decades of internal conflict involving guerrilla groups like FARC and drug cartels.
49.66%
12,959,515 votes
Defenders of the Homeland Coalition48.70%
12,708,695 votes
Alternative Democratic PoleAbelardo de la Espriella was born in Bogotá in 1978 (he is 47 years old), but grew up in Montería, the heart of Colombia's Caribbean region. He describes himself as a political "outsider" who has never held public office.
Among his most recognized clients is Álex Saab, former Minister of Industries of Venezuela, accused of being Nicolás Maduro's frontman. De la Espriella claims to have severed ties with him in 2021, the same year Saab was extradited to the United States.
He founded Defenders of the Homeland (Defensores de la Patria) in July 2025, describing it as a "citizen shield against power abuse and corruption." His candidacy was officially registered on July 16, 2025, before the National Registry.
His nickname comes from his aggressive courtroom style and his image as a "fighter" against Colombia's traditional political establishment.
| Pillar | Main Proposals |
|---|---|
| 🛡️ Security & Justice | War on drug trafficking: destruction of 330,000 hectares of coca crops, aerial fumigation, manual eradication, and extradition of drug traffickers |
| 📈 Economy | 7% annual growth (South Korea and Singapore models), 25% reduction of the State, elimination of parallel payrolls |
| 💰 Tax Reform | Reduction of tax burden, elimination of the 4x1000 tax (4 pesos per every 1,000 in transactions) |
| 🔗 Anti-corruption | Blockchain in public procurement by 2030, special unit against illicit resources |
| 🎓 Education | Virtual University at Home program, free computers, free connectivity, teacher evaluation |
| 🌾 Rural Development | Rural Revolution: expand productive frontier by 2 million hectares, Rural Entrepreneur School |
| 🌐 Foreign Policy | Alignment with Trump's "Shield of the Americas," restoration of ties with Israel, break with Venezuela's regime until democratic elections |
U.S. President Donald Trump publicly endorsed De la Espriella after the first electoral round:
"Congratulations to Colombian candidate 'El Tigre' on his resounding victory! Abelardo fights for his great country and loves it, just as I love the United States of America. As president, Abelardo will be hugely successful leading Colombia to boost the economy, create jobs, stop illegal immigration, fight crime and drugs, and restore public order! It is an honor to give him my total and unconditional endorsement."
— Donald Trump, Truth Social (after first electoral round)
"I am deeply honored to receive President Donald Trump's decisive support. I know that in El Tigre's era, we will forge a partnership like Colombia has never had with the United States."
The Republican congresswoman also expressed her support before the first round, calling De la Espriella a "personal friend" and noting that he lived in her Florida District 27, in addition to holding U.S. citizenship.
De la Espriella's government program includes joining the "Shield of the Americas", a security alliance promoted by the Trump administration that already includes:
Regional context: Other Trump allies in the region include Milei (Argentina), Bukele (El Salvador), Noboa (Ecuador), Peña (Paraguay), Kast (Chile), and Asfura (Honduras). The governments of Ortega (Nicaragua) and Díaz-Canel (Cuba) are considered adversaries.
The electoral campaign was marked by strong confrontations between both candidates:
Note: On June 22, 2026, Cepeda announced the challenge of 31,000 polling stations. Former president Gustavo Petro denounced obstacles for lawyers at Corferias. U.S. Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar warned about possible sanctions for electoral fraud.
The presidential inauguration date in Colombia is established in the Political Constitution of 1991. It historically coincides with the commemoration of the Battle of Boyacá (August 7, 1819), the most important battle of Colombia's War of Independence from Spain.
2026-2030 (4 years). De la Espriella will succeed the current president and will have the opportunity to implement his "Patria Milagro" program with legislative majorities yet to be determined.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
