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Abelardo De La Espriella, Right-Wing Outsider, Could Be Colombia’s Next President
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- Abelardo De La Espriella, a criminal defense lawyer and businessman with no prior political experience, has surged to prominence in Colombia and could become the country's next president after leading the first round of voting.
- De La Espriella's campaign is marked by a self-financed populist approach, extensive social media use, and a recent endorsement from former U.S. President Donald Trump.
- He faces left-wing senator Iván Cepeda in a runoff election, with De La Espriella promising a tough stance against cocaine-trafficking groups and a combative approach to leftist opponents.
- Supporters view his energy as necessary to combat drug-related violence, while critics warn his rhetoric and tactics pose an authoritarian risk to Colombia's democracy.
