On Sunday, Colombian voters head to the polls for a presidential runoff that could reshape the region's political landscape. The contest features Abelardo de la Espriella, a far-right celebrity lawyer endorsed by US President Donald Trump, against Iván Cepeda, a philosopher and veteran human-rights senator. De la Espriella, known as "El Tigre" (the Tiger), led the first round and is favored in some polls, but a large undecided vote and high abstention could tip the balance to Cepeda.
The Candidate and His Platform
De la Espriella, a political novice, campaigns in Colombia's national football jersey despite a court order to stop, and ends rallies with a military salute and the slogan "Firmes por la Patria" (Firm for the Homeland). His far-right agenda includes ending Colombia's decades-long armed conflict through a 90-day military offensive, building mega prisons inspired by El Salvador's Nayib Bukele, and withdrawing from the United Nations, the OAS, and the Inter-American Human Rights System. International relations scholar Arlene Tickner calls these proposals absurd and self-defeating, arguing multilateral forums are vital for middle powers like Colombia.
His economic plan would shrink the state by 40%, eliminating 700,000 public sector jobs—disastrous for one of the world's most unequal countries. De la Espriella has represented controversial clients, including Alex Saab, alleged money-launderer for Venezuela's Maduro government, and individuals linked to paramilitary groups. A 2009 inquiry into his own alleged paramilitary ties was shelved; he denies wrongdoing.
A President Sworn to Washington?
Despite branding himself a "defender of the homeland," de la Espriella is a naturalized US citizen and registered Republican who lived in Miami. His US oath of allegiance required renouncing all foreign allegiances and pledging to bear arms for the United States. Critics question how he can command Colombia's armed forces and direct foreign policy while bound by that oath. Colombia's ban on dual nationals in high office exempts those born in Colombia, but tensions over his US ties persist.
De la Espriella has stated he would conduct relations with Venezuela through the US State Department, following the US kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in January. This would cede control over a crucial bilateral relationship to Washington. On June 2, Trump gave de la Espriella a "complete and total endorsement," which US lawmakers decried as "brazen interference." Days later, US immigration agents arrested Colombian activist Beto Coral, who had filed a complaint against de la Espriella in US courts. Republican Senator Bernie Moreno applauded the arrest, telling Coral to "have a nice life back in Colombia."
Why the Message Lands
De la Espriella's appeal stems partly from media dynamics. Reporters Without Borders notes Colombian media is dominated by a few families, and scholars say coverage leans harsher on the left. The reformist Petro government has been portrayed as disastrous, while inequality is normalized. De la Espriella exploits fears over crime, blaming Petro's "total peace" plan, which has stumbled. However, Colombia's homicide rate, near 26 per 100,000, is well below its early-1990s peak. Previous "iron fist" policies led to the murder of 7,837 civilians by soldiers in the early 2000s, dressed as guerrillas to inflate body counts.
A de la Espriella victory would expand strongman rule in Latin America and grant the Trump administration greater regional sway. On June 21, Colombians decide whether their bold constitution still holds.
