Colombian Far-Right Candidate Emulates Trump and Bukele Amidst Anti-Incumbent Wave

Abelardo de la Espriella, a far-right lawyer leading the polls ahead of Colombia’s presidential runoff election, is adopting a political style that mirrors populist leaders such as El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele and former U.S. President Donald Trump. His campaign, focused on a tough stance against crime, has been interpreted as the latest manifestation of a growing wave of anti-incumbent sentiment and the rise of the far-right across Latin America.

The upcoming runoff on June 21 will see De la Espriella face off against leftwing senator Iván Cepeda, who is backed by the current president, Gustavo Petro. Cepeda advocates for the continuation of the government’s “total peace” initiative, aimed at dismantling criminal groups, a plan that has so far struggled to curb rising violence. De la Espriella, conversely, has promised to resolve Colombia’s decades-long armed conflict within 90 days, proposing the construction of private “mega-prisons” and vowing to eliminate criminals aggressively.

Style and Substance

De la Espriella, who has never held public office, has cultivated a public persona that draws heavily from his business ventures, marketing his rum, wine, and menswear brands under the label “De la Espriella Style.” His shift to T-shirts, baseball caps, and a distinctive beard is seen as an emulation of Nayib Bukele’s image. Beyond appearances, De la Espriella has pledged to adopt Bukele’s “mano dura” (iron fist) policy against crime, a strategy that has led to the imprisonment of a significant portion of El Salvador’s adult population.

Analysts note that De la Espriella has also taken cues from other Latin American far-right leaders. He has received an “complete and total endorsement” from Donald Trump, and his speeches are often delivered from behind bulletproof glass, echoing Trump’s security measures. De la Espriella’s promise to sink vessels suspected of drug trafficking also aligns with recent U.S. airstrikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.

Furthermore, his proposed “chainsaw” austerity plan, involving deep cuts to federal spending, is reminiscent of Argentina’s Javier Milei. His intention to utilize states of emergency to combat gangs mirrors Ecuador’s Daniel Noboa, and he has adopted the Colombian national football shirt as a symbol of the far-right, similar to the Bolsonaro family in Brazil.

Legislative Hurdles

Despite De la Espriella’s lead in the polls, Tiziano Breda, a senior analyst for Latin America and the Caribbean at the NGO Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (Acled), points out a critical difference between De la Espriella and Bukele. While Bukele has maintained a strong grip on his congress, enabling him to concentrate power, De la Espriella’s party holds a minimal number of seats in the Colombian senate and lower house. This lack of a legislative majority would significantly impede his ability to implement sweeping changes or dismantle democratic checks and balances.

Breda warns that De la Espriella’s election could still pose risks to Colombian democracy, given his apparent disregard for democratic norms and human rights. He fears that security operations might become more lethal, potentially leading to increased civilian exposure to conflict and retaliation, especially if U.S. pressure on drug war strategies intensifies.

Broader Political Trends

De la Espriella’s rise is seen as part of a broader “anti-incumbent wave” that is displacing leftwing presidents across Latin America. This trend is fueled by general dissatisfaction with traditional political party systems and a preference for “outsider” candidates. Additionally, increasing pressure from the U.S. to align ideologically, offering rewards such as economic or security assistance, is also a contributing factor.

Colombia remains one of the few Latin American countries currently governed by the left, alongside Mexico, Uruguay, and Brazil. The political landscape in the region is dynamic, with other countries also experiencing significant shifts, such as Peru’s upcoming runoff and Brazil’s presidential elections later in the year, which will feature a contest between the incumbent and a far-right candidate.

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| Aspecto | Detalle |
| ———————— | ————————————————————————— |
| Candidato | Abelardo de la Espriella |
| Posición Política | Extrema derecha |
| Influencias Notables | Nayib Bukele, Donald Trump, Javier Milei, Daniel Noboa, Familia Bolsonaro |
| Promesas Clave | “Puño de hierro” contra el crimen, fin del conflicto en 90 días |
| Contendiente en Ballottage | Iván Cepeda (izquierda) |

This development matters for ReviewArticle readers as it highlights a significant political shift in Latin America, demonstrating the growing influence of populist and far-right ideologies, often inspired by figures like Trump and Bukele. The emphasis on security, austerity, and a strongman approach to governance has practical implications for regional stability, international relations, and the democratic landscape of countries like Colombia.

Fuente: theguardian.com – https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jun/06/colombia-presidential-candidate-abelardo-de-la-espriella

Datos clave