Pro-Israel Right-Wing Candidate Wins Colombia’s Presidential Runoff

Right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Esparría won Colombia’s decisive presidential runoff overnight between Sunday and Monday, defeating left-wing contender Iván Speda and signaling a major political shift in the country. With more than 99% of votes counted, de la Esparría had 49.65% against Speda’s 48.7%, a margin of about 245,000 votes.

The result was welcomed in Israel because de la Esparría is seen as strongly pro-Israel and pledged during the campaign to restore ties between Jerusalem and Bogotá, which deteriorated under outgoing President Gustavo Petro. In his victory speech, he said, “I intend to govern for all Colombians.”

US President Donald Trump congratulated him before the count was complete, posting on Truth Social, “He won, big!” Secretary of State Marco Rubio also spoke with de la Esparría and congratulated him. In Bogotá, supporters celebrated in the streets, honking horns and chanting “Petro out,” a reference to the outgoing president and the left.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also praised the result, writing, “The tiger won, Colombia won!” He said Israel expected to work with the president-elect to revive relations and bring them to an all-time high, adding that he hoped to welcome him in Jerusalem soon. Argentine President Javier Milei joined the praise, saying “the lion and the tiger roar in Latin America” and calling the result a victory for economic freedom, prosperity, and security against organized crime and drug trafficking. De la Esparría’s win may reshape the political balance in Latin America and open a new chapter in Colombia’s relations with Israel and the United States.