Abelardo de la Espriella takes office as Colombia's 'Tiger'

Abelardo de la Espriella has taken office as Colombia's president, using his inauguration speech to promise a hard line against crime and armed insurgents after a narrow election victory.

Speaking at a military garrison in Cali on Friday, the millionaire lawyer said that “in the age of the Tiger,” the state “will be forceful and decisive against crime.” He said criminals would learn “how hard it bites when it comes to defending the Colombian people.”

De la Espriella, who promoted himself during the campaign as “The Tiger,” also swore to “rebuild the Republic” and defend democracy “by reason or by force.” The speech was delivered before hundreds of uniformed personnel, four tanks and two helicopters.

His campaign focused on anger and fears about security. He has promised an “all-out war” on armed groups, the construction of “mega-prisons,” a military alliance with the United States and Israel and a smaller state.

Before entering the presidency, De la Espriella built a lucrative legal career that included representing drug-trafficking paramilitaries, fraudsters and football stars. He also lived in Florence, Italy, pursued opera and promoted rum, wine and a fashion brand called “De la Espriella Style.”

He won the presidential runoff by less than one percentage point, drawing support from almost half of voters. His victory marks a sharp break with four years of leftist rule.

De la Espriella has criticised what he describes as Colombia's failed political establishment, though his incoming cabinet includes familiar right-wing politicians. He has also adopted a conservative cultural message, saying after earlier atheism that he now lives by “Judeo-Christian principles” and wants a “cultural counterrevolution.”

Supporters see him as a decisive leader ready to confront Colombia's violence. Critics warn that his confrontational style and admiration for figures including US President Donald Trump, Argentina's Javier Milei and El Salvador's Nayib Bukele could deepen divisions.