Meet Abelardo de la Espriella: Colombia's Rising Right-Wing Presidential Candidate

Abelardo de la Espriella has rapidly transitioned from a controversial lawyer to a leading presidential candidate in Colombia, advocating for a strong authority and appealing to conservative voters frustrated with traditional parties. At 47, he has positioned himself as a radical right figure, leveraging populist rhetoric and a clear stance against the current government led by Gustavo Petro. His political movement, Defensores de la Patria, gained momentum in late 2025, and recent polls show him as a strong opponent to leftist candidate Iván Cepeda. De la Espriella's campaign emphasizes security, proposing strict measures against crime and illegal activities, and he has expressed admiration for right-wing leaders like Donald Trump. Despite lacking prior political experience, he markets himself as an outsider committed to protecting fundamental freedoms.

Key Details: • De la Espriella launched his presidential campaign in July 2025. • He is currently polling second behind Iván Cepeda. • His campaign focuses on security and anti-corruption measures. • He proposes reactivating aerial fumigation against illicit crops. • De la Espriella emphasizes the importance of traditional family values.