Colombia President Abelardo De La Espriella Pledges Drug Crackdown, Economic Reforms

Colombia’s new right-wing President Abelardo De La Espriella has taken office with promises to intensify the fight against drug trafficking, restore security and introduce sweeping economic reforms aimed at rebuilding investor confidence.

De La Espriella, 48, won Colombia’s June presidential runoff after campaigning on plans to confront armed groups, reduce the size of government by up to 40% and revive the country’s oil and gas industry. The political newcomer and ally of U.S. President Donald Trump previously worked as a lawyer, including representing clients linked to right-wing paramilitary groups.

During his inauguration in Cali, De La Espriella declared that Colombia was entering a new period focused on “order, authority, and freedom.” Addressing troops at the Pichincha Battalion military base, he warned criminal organizations and narco-trafficking groups to surrender to the law or face a stronger response from Colombian security forces.

The president also said negotiations with armed groups had run their course. His administration plans to eradicate illicit coca crops, including through aerial herbicide spraying that he said would be conducted without harming people or the environment. Colombia will also join Trump’s Shield of the Americas initiative.

On the economy, De La Espriella pledged to freeze public spending and pursue tax reform designed to simplify the tax system, encourage investment and create jobs while protecting popular social programs introduced under former President Gustavo Petro.

Energy policy is another major priority. The government plans to expand Colombia’s oil and gas exploration, pursue responsible fracking and strengthen state-controlled energy company Ecopetrol amid concerns about declining domestic reserves.

Investors have responded positively to De La Espriella’s market-friendly agenda, although Colombia’s fiscal deficit, high public debt and divided Congress could complicate implementation. Finance Minister Miguel Gomez has estimated the deficit at between 7% and 8% of GDP and plans to introduce growth-oriented tax reforms.

De La Espriella’s victory also reinforces a broader political shift to the right across Latin America, where concerns over crime, economic weakness and public security have helped conservative candidates gain support.