Abelardo de la Espriella takes office as president of Colombia with an "iron fist"

Colombia inaugurated a new government. Far-right lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in as president of Colombia for the 2026-2030 term, in an inauguration ceremony held in a university auditorium in Cali, capital of Valle del Cauca, promising an “iron fist.”

A start with its own stamp

The inauguration was marked by symbolic gestures: a prayer, a speech at a military battalion and a panela vendor, in an event with which De la Espriella stamped his style. He also announced that Bogotá will stop being the sole seat of government, with “alternate seats” of the Presidency in Medellín, Cali and Barranquilla, seeking greater decentralization.

The cabinet

The new president formed a cabinet with gender parity: nine of the 18 ministries will be headed by women and the other half by men. His agenda promises a turn in security and foreign policy, with a strong bet on the “cultural battle.”

The key figure

2026-2030. The term opening in Colombia a stage of right-wing government with promises of a hard hand and decentralization.