BOGOTA — Abelardo De La Espriella took office as Colombia's new president Thursday, Aug. 7, 2026, after winning a narrow runoff election in June. The right-wing lawyer, 48, pledged a firm approach to security, drug trafficking and economic challenges facing the nation.
De La Espriella secured the presidency by approximately 250,000 votes, defeating left-wing candidate Iván Cepeda by roughly one percentage point.
During his campaign, De La Espriella promised to intensify attacks on drug-smuggling aircraft and boats. He also outlined plans to construct 10 "mega prisons" as part of his strategy to combat narco-terrorism.
Economically, the new president aims to shrink the state by as much as 40 percent. He also intends to revive Colombia's oil and gas sector, which he sees as crucial for national prosperity.
That agenda includes opening the countryside to fracking and reversing the moratorium on new hydrocarbon and mining contracts established by former President Gustavo Petro.
De La Espriella, a millionaire political outsider, has received backing from U.S. President Donald Trump, suggesting a potential strengthening of diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries.
The narrow margin of victory reflects divided political sentiment within Colombia. De La Espriella's mandate is to address those divisions while pursuing his ambitious policy agenda.
His promise to "crush" narco-terrorism signals a forceful approach to internal conflict. The proposed state reduction and energy sector revival are central to his economic vision for the country.
