Trump-backed candidate declared winner of Colombia's presidential runoff
Summary
Abelardo de la Espriella, a political newcomer and businessman, won Colombia's presidential runoff election by a narrow margin. He will take office on August 7, promising tough measures against crime, while his opponent Iván Cepeda accepted the results and a Senate seat for the runner-up.Key Facts
- Abelardo de la Espriella is a millionaire businessman and lawyer, new to politics.
- He won the runoff election against Iván Cepeda by about 1%, or over 251,000 votes.
- President Donald Trump endorsed de la Espriella during the election.
- The vote was seen as a rejection of outgoing President Gustavo Petro's government and its peace policies.
- Petro's peace efforts had aimed to negotiate with armed groups but coincided with increased violence and crime.
- De la Espriella promises strict crime-fighting policies similar to those used in El Salvador, including building large maximum-security prisons.
- He plans to restart aerial fumigation of coca fields to combat drug production.
- Iván Cepeda conceded the election and will take a Senate seat reserved for the runner-up.
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