Right-wing leader Abelardo de la Espriella sworn in as Colombia's President
Summary
Abelardo de la Espriella has been sworn in as President of Colombia after defeating former left-wing President Gustavo Petro, marking a sharp shift to the right. He has promised tougher military action against rebel groups and drug trafficking, deep spending cuts, and closer security cooperation with the United States.
Key Points
- Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in as President of Colombia in the southwestern city of Cali, not Bogotá.
- He said negotiation options have ended and pledged strict military action against armed rebel groups and drug trafficking.
- He plans to cut government spending by up to 40 percent and revive Colombia’s oil and gas industry.
- He signaled closer anti-drug and security cooperation with the United States and plans to restore ties with Israel while severing relations with Cuba and Nicaragua.
