Conservative Abelardo de la Espriella sworn in as Colombia president

Conservative politician Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in as Colombia’s president on Thursday in a ceremony held at the Palacio de Nariño in Bogotá, succeeding outgoing leader Gustavo Petro. The oath of office was administered by the nation’s chief justice and attended by members of Congress, diplomatic representatives, and military officials, marking the constitutional transition after the recent presidential election.

In his inaugural address, President de la Espriella pledged a decisive campaign against the country’s armed drug gangs, citing the groups’ role in escalating violence and undermining public security. He outlined plans to strengthen law‑enforcement coordination, increase resources for intelligence operations, and pursue legislative reforms aimed at curbing the illicit drug trade. The new administration’s focus on security comes amid heightened concerns over cartel activity in several regions, and officials indicated that the government will prioritize rapid response measures while maintaining existing social and economic programs. The president’s early statements set a clear agenda for his term, signaling an intensified effort to address Colombia’s long‑standing challenges with organized crime.