Immediately following the inauguration of Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella, the US State Department on June 27 unveiled plans to provide $1 billion in security assistance to the country's new government. The move comes as the 48-year-old leader, backed by former US President Donald Trump, vows to launch a decisive campaign against drug trafficking and implement austerity measures to restore confidence in the economy.
Speaking at the Pichincha military base in Cali after taking the oath, De La Espriella declared: "I am here to close a long chapter of national resignation and to begin, together with the people, the most profound transformation of our destiny." He emphasized a message of "restoring order, power, and freedom" for Colombians.
The new president also issued a stark warning to criminal gangs: "Members of criminal gangs and drug terrorist groups have two options: comply with the law or face a firm response from the state and Colombian security forces." In his 75-minute address, he asserted that the option of peace negotiations with armed groups has been "completely exhausted."
The US State Department stated the same day: "As the foundation of this new partnership, the United States, in coordination with Congress, expects to announce a $1 billion assistance package as part of a security package to support the administration of President de la Espriella in achieving our shared goals."
De La Espriella won the June runoff election with promises to crack down on armed groups, streamline the state apparatus by 40%, and revive the oil and gas industry. He defeated leftist Senator Ivan Cepeda, an ally of former President Gustavo Petro, who has not recognized the new president's victory.
Among his first policies, he announced a "total eradication of illegal crop cultivation" using aerial herbicide spraying, which he claims is harmless to human health and the environment, to destroy coca plants, the raw material for cocaine production. Colombia will also join the Americas Shield program founded by Trump.
Before the inauguration, De La Espriella held bilateral meetings with the King of Spain and the presidents of Argentina, Ecuador, Chile, Paraguay, and Panama. FIFA President Gianni Infantino also attended, while the US delegation was led by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.
De La Espriella's rise to power is seen as part of a broader rightward shift sweeping Latin America. In Peru, Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Panama, weak economies and rising crime have reshaped voter priorities, enabling far-right candidates once considered fringe to gain support through tough-on-crime pledges.
Analysts note that De La Espriella may push some policies through executive decrees, but many proposals will require backing from a divided congress and could be diluted during negotiations. Meanwhile, the opposition party led by Cepeda held a march in Barranquilla on June 27, calling on citizens to defend democracy and engage in peaceful civil resistance.
