Right-Wing Populist Abelardo de la Espriella Wins Colombia’s Presidential Race

Right-wing populist Abelardo de la Espriella, nicknamed “El Tigre” and a supporter of tougher-style politics, has won Colombia’s presidential election. Official results from more than 99% of votes counted gave him 49.67% of the vote, enough to secure an unassailable lead over left-wing senator Iván Cepeda, who finished with 48.69%.

The result ends the socialist left’s rule under outgoing President Gustavo Petro and points to a sharp shift toward hard-right policies, in the mold of Nayib Bukele in El Salvador and Javier Milei in Argentina. De la Espriella’s victory is being seen as a major political reversal for Colombia.

For Israel, the win carries immediate diplomatic significance. The president-elect has promised to restore diplomatic relations with Israel at once, after they were cut by his predecessor, and to renew Colombia’s strategic alliance with the United States.