Abelardo de la Espriella assumed the presidency of Colombia in an unusual ceremony in Cali, signaling a forthright stance against armed groups. The 48-year-old conservative swore in, succeeding Gustavo Petro, after a narrow victory over Sen. Iván Cepeda. De la Espriella financed his campaign with his own resources, leveraging his experience as a lawyer and businessman. His inauguration, marked by the presence of international figures like King Felipe VI of Spain and U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche, reflects a shift to the right in Colombian politics.

The ceremony proceeded under tight security with numerous checkpoints to prevent threats. De la Espriella, known as “El Tigre,” intends to confront violence with a direct approach, ending previous policies of negotiation with armed groups. He plans to address troops and issue a stern warning to illegal groups to surrender or face military action.

Illegal activities like drug trafficking remain contentious issues among dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, the Clan del Golfo cartel, and the National Liberation Army. De la Espriella earns support from U.S. President Donald Trump amid concerns over regional crime and immigration. He envisions aligning Colombia with the “Shield of the Americas,” a coalition aimed at combating drug trafficking, while restoring diplomatic ties with Israel and severing them with Cuba and Nicaragua.

Despite his victory, De la Espriella faces opposition from his predecessor Petro, who reluctantly accepted the election results. Petro continues to challenge the legitimacy of the election and mobilizes social movements to protect against any aggressive state actions. Demonstrations in Cali, a stronghold for Petro’s allies, highlight divided public opinion. Protesters like Sebastián Ocampo voice their dissent, while others, like Amanda Castro, hope protests remain peaceful.