Abelardo De La Espriella won the Colombian presidential runoff on June 21, 2026 [1], and was declared the winner on June 22 [2].
The victory marks a significant political pivot for Colombia. After four years of leftist rule, the election of a far-right millionaire signals a return to business-friendly policies and a closer alignment with the U.S.
De La Espriella, a lawyer who received the endorsement of U.S. President Donald Trump, campaigned on a platform of economic revival and tough anti-crime policies. He promised a hardline stance against armed groups to stabilize the country. "We have a clear mandate to restore security and prosperity," De La Espriella said.
President Donald Trump praised the outcome of the vote. "He won big," Trump said.
The transition has already sparked tension between the incoming administration and the outgoing government. President Gustavo Petro accused the U.S. of intervening in the election process to install a preferred candidate. "The United States has chosen to align against my government and back forces I identify as complicit in the drug trade," Petro said.
While some reports focus on the geopolitical friction, others highlight internal disputes over the results. A left-wing opponent has alleged irregularities in the vote count after De La Espriella secured a narrow majority. However, the official results announced on June 22 [2] establish De La Espriella as the next president.
The new president is expected to dismantle several of the previous administration's social and environmental policies in favor of a pro-market approach. This shift is intended to mobilize right-wing voters who felt marginalized by the previous government's leftist agenda.
“"We have a clear mandate to restore security and prosperity."”
The election of Abelardo De La Espriella represents a sharp ideological reversal in Colombia, moving from the leftist policies of Gustavo Petro to a far-right, pro-market administration. The explicit backing from Donald Trump suggests that Colombia will likely become a key regional ally for the U.S. administration, prioritizing security and trade over the previous government's focus on social reform and environmental protections.
