De la Espriella sworn in as Colombia’s leader, vows armed group crackdown
Right-wing lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella has been inaugurated as the new president of Colombia, signaling a shift away from the previous administration's peace-negotiation strategy. He has pledged to crack down on armed groups and revitalize the oil and gas sector.
Why it matters
This transition marks a significant political pivot in Latin America, potentially altering regional security dynamics and energy policy.
The new president, who replaces leftist Gustavo Petro, continues the rightward political shift in Latin America.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Colombia's President Abelardo de la Espriella waves after receiving the presidential sash from Senate President Honorio Henriquez during his inauguration in Cali, Colombia [AP Photo/Matias Delacroix] By AFP , AP and Reuters Published On 8 Aug 2026 8 Aug 2026 Right-wing lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella has been sworn in as Colombia’s president after winning a run-off election on promises to crack down on armed groups, cut government spending by as much as 40 percent, and revive the South American country’s oil and gas industry.
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