Far-Right Millionaire Abelardo de la Espriella, Backed by Trump, Claims Presidential Victory
Colombia's presidential runoff has been won by far-right millionaire Abelardo de la Espriella, according to preliminary results. De la Espriella, who is backed by US President Donald Trump, declared victory late Sunday with a lead of less than one percentage point and over 99% of the vote tallied.
Trump took to Truth Social to falsely declare De la Espriella's win as "BIG," despite the narrow margin. However, De la Espriella's opponent, leftist Sen. Iván Cepeda, and incumbent President Gustavo Petro have signaled that they will challenge the vote counts, with Petro stating that it is "an abuse to declare a president through the media when the scrutiny is still ongoing."
Petro, international observers, and Democratic lawmakers in the US had previously expressed concerns about the Trump administration's interference in the race on behalf of De la Espriella. The far-right candidate has pledged to dismantle Petro's social and economic policies, which have reduced poverty and increased the minimum wage.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated De la Espriella on his electoral victory, stating that the Trump administration looks forward to working with him to advance regional security cooperation and strengthen economic ties.
De la Espriella's declaration of victory has sparked protests in the streets of Colombia's capital, Bogotá, with thousands taking to the streets in opposition to the far-right candidate. The protests are expected to continue, with one student demonstrator predicting "many more demonstrations" to come.
De la Espriella has built a lucrative legal and media empire and has cultivated a public image as a businessman and influencer, launching a fashion brand and frequently traveling by private jet. His victory has significant implications for Colombia's future, with many watching to see how his policies will impact the country.
Trump took to Truth Social to falsely declare De la Espriella's win as "BIG," despite the narrow margin. However, De la Espriella's opponent, leftist Sen. Iván Cepeda, and incumbent President Gustavo Petro have signaled that they will challenge the vote counts, with Petro stating that it is "an abuse to declare a president through the media when the scrutiny is still ongoing."
Petro, international observers, and Democratic lawmakers in the US had previously expressed concerns about the Trump administration's interference in the race on behalf of De la Espriella. The far-right candidate has pledged to dismantle Petro's social and economic policies, which have reduced poverty and increased the minimum wage.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated De la Espriella on his electoral victory, stating that the Trump administration looks forward to working with him to advance regional security cooperation and strengthen economic ties.
De la Espriella's declaration of victory has sparked protests in the streets of Colombia's capital, Bogotá, with thousands taking to the streets in opposition to the far-right candidate. The protests are expected to continue, with one student demonstrator predicting "many more demonstrations" to come.
De la Espriella has built a lucrative legal and media empire and has cultivated a public image as a businessman and influencer, launching a fashion brand and frequently traveling by private jet. His victory has significant implications for Colombia's future, with many watching to see how his policies will impact the country.
News, Global