The far-right Abelardo de la Espriella has promised to govern for all Colombians after winning by a narrow margin of less than one percentage point over the leftist Iván Cepeda in the second round of the closest presidential elections in recent history, although the final result will depend on the official scrutiny (the final result of the first round scrutiny took four days).
Trump and Milei admirer
The 47-year-old lawyer and businessman has no doubt about his result as the winner and has proclaimed himself president-elect of Colombia in a message on X. Victoria that was also recognized by Trump, of whom he is an admirer.
Not only has he received praise from Trump and Marco Rubio, who has told him that he hopes to start working to put an end to illegal immigration to the United States, but De La Espriella has received congratulations and recognition from governments such as Chile, Paraguay and Mexico. Also from Vox.
“Man trained in the laws”
De la Espriella has defined himself as a “man trained in the law, respectful of the branches of power, Congress and the high courts.” He has assured that his government will be absolutely democratic and a guarantor of freedom and institutions. “From that feeling of believing that we are beginning a new era,” he assured.
Record participation of 63.59%
Election day was marked by historic participation with more than 26.3 million citizens who went to the polls, representing 63.59% of the electoral roll, an unprecedented figure in a presidential second round in Colombia.
No experience in politics
De la Espriella has no experience in politics, he calls himself “El Trigre” and his motto is “God, Homeland and Family). During the campaign he has promised to save the country from violence, corruption and drug trafficking, to build what he calls “the miracle Homeland.”
He has a successful business career behind him, both as a criminal lawyer and with business projects such as his brand ‘De la Espriella Style’, which includes alcoholic beverages and a men’s clothing line.
He was born in Bogotá on July 31, 1978, but grew up in the capital of the department of Córdoba, Montería, in the Colombian Caribbean. He studied at the La Salle school in Montería and studied law at the Sergio Arboleda University, in Bogotá.
In his work as a lawyer he has defended personalities such as former president Álvaro Uribe or businessman Álex Saab, front man of former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro.
