Trump ally 'El Tigre' sworn in as Colombia's new president amid continent's rightward shift

Abelardo de la Espriella, nicknamed ‘El Tigre,’ has been sworn in as Colombia’s conservative president, vowing to reverse former President Gustavo Petro’s left-wing agenda and restore a strong security and economic policy. He faces immediate challenges including a significant fiscal deficit, rising violence, and a fragmented Congress that will require negotiation for his legislative agenda. Analysts suggest the first 100 days will focus on establishing credibility and a coherent strategy rather than immediate results, with key decisions on negotiations with the ELN, coca fumigation, and U.S. cooperation being closely watched.

• Abelardo de la Espriella, nicknamed ‘El Tigre,’ has been sworn in as Colombia’s new conservative president.
• His agenda aims to reverse former President Gustavo Petro’s left-wing policies, focusing on security, economic policy, and U.S. relations.
• De la Espriella inherits a difficult fiscal situation with a projected $34 billion financing gap and elevated inflation.
• Security challenges include intensifying violence and the expansion of criminal organizations and guerrilla groups.
• His legislative agenda will require consensus-building in a fragmented Congress where his party has limited seats.
• Key early decisions will involve relations with the U.S., negotiations with the ELN, and coca fumigation policies.