Abelardo Gabriel de la Espriella Otero won the second round of Colombia's presidential election on June 2, 2024 [2].
His victory represents a potential pivot in Colombian politics, as he positions himself as a leader of a "new right" that seeks to deviate from the country's traditional conservative establishment.
De la Espriella, a criminal lawyer and businessman, secured nearly 13 million votes in the pre-count [1]. His rise to power follows a movement he launched only 11 months prior to the election. The candidate has drawn inspiration from the governance models seen in El Salvador and the libertarian approach of Javier Milei in Argentina.
While some observers describe his platform as a continuation of the right-wing dominance that has historically shaped Colombia, others said his proposals are unprecedented for the region. He has campaigned on a platform of deep change and a "hard hand" approach to governance.
The victory occurred despite calls from other political figures, including Gustavo Petro and Cepeda, to await the official scrutiny of the results. De la Espriella's victory is viewed by some as a rejection of the traditional political class in favor of a more radical, populist right-wing alternative.
His background as a lawyer for controversial clients has defined much of his public persona before his transition into the presidency. The shift toward this "new right" combines strict security measures with an economic outlook that mirrors the current trend of right-wing populism across Latin America.
“Abelardo Gabriel de la Espriella Otero won the second round of Colombia's presidential election”
The election of De la Espriella suggests a growing regional trend toward 'outsider' candidates who blend libertarian economics with authoritarian security policies. By distancing himself from the traditional conservative elite, De la Espriella is attempting to redefine the Colombian right, potentially alienating old-guard allies while consolidating a base of voters who feel the traditional system has failed to provide safety or economic stability.
