CALI — Colombia's new right-wing President Abelardo De La Espriella was sworn into office on Friday, pledging a tougher campaign against drug trafficking and armed groups and promising to overhaul the state and cut public spending.
De La Espriella, a former lawyer and political newcomer, took office at a ceremony in Cali, replacing leftist President Gustavo Petro after winning the June presidential election. Colombia's National Electoral Council formally declared De La Espriella and Vice President Carolina Jaramillo their elected ticket for the 2026-2030 term.
In his inaugural address, De La Espriella said his government would pursue an aggressive security strategy against armed groups and illicit coca production. He also said he would end peace negotiations with guerrilla groups and seek to strengthen cooperation with the United States on security and counternarcotics, according to Reuters.
The new president pledged to reduce the size of the government by as much as 40% and revive the oil and gas sector as part of a broader austerity program aimed at improving Colombia's fiscal position.
The inauguration marked a significant political shift after four years under Petro, Colombia's first leftist president. The ceremony was held in Cali rather than the traditional setting in Bogotá.
De La Espriella's administration is now beginning its four-year term. Details of the government's implementation of its security and economic plans remain to be established.
