Abelardo de la Espriella is expected to be sworn in Friday as Colombia's president in a ceremony in Santiago de Cali under heavy security, according to Israeli media. The right-wing leader, who won the June election, will be the first Colombian president inaugurated outside the Congress building in Bogota. He has pledged to intensify the fight against armed groups and drug trafficking.
Abelardo de la Espriella takes the oath of office as Colombia's 65th president in a ceremony in Santiago de Cali, a historic first as inaugurations have traditionally been held in Bogota. The event is being conducted under heavy security, reflecting the security challenges de la Espriella inherits. De la Espriella, a right-wing candidate who won the June 22 runoff against left-wing challenger Ivan Cepeda, has pledged to restore diplomatic ties with Israel and move the Colombian embassy to Jerusalem, as The Zioneer has reported. He has also vowed to intensify the fight against armed groups and drug trafficking. The outgoing president, Gustavo Petro, who severed relations with Israel and has refused to recognize the election results, did not attend the ceremony. De la Espriella's victory marks a decisive shift in Colombia's foreign policy and its alignment with pro-Israel, pro-democracy nations.
- StrongDe la Espriella declared Colombia president-elect with 49.66% after 99.99% count
- StrongColombia's new president announces first act: opening embassy in Jerusalem
- StrongColombia president-elect de la Espriella pledges full restoration of ties with Israel, including embassy move
- DevelopingColombia president-elect de la Espriella gives organized crime one month to surrender
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