Colombian Presidential Runoff Sparks Protests and Celebrations
Updated on June 22, 2026, Barranquilla, Colombia — A lawyer with U.S. backing, Abelardo de la Espriella, narrowly won Colombia’s presidential runoff, causing a shift towards the right amid violent protests. De la Espriella secured 49.66% of the vote against left-wing Senator Ivan Cepeda’s 48.70%, sparking demonstrations but promising stronger ties with Washington.
In Barranquilla, addressing supporters from behind bulletproof glass, De la Espriella declared the beginning of a new era aiming to combat violence, drug trafficking, and corruption. His victory aligned with a regional tendency towards right-wing policies focused on security.
Former President Trump expressed his support for De la Espriella’s win, joining other right-leaning leaders in congratulating him. However, the campaign faced challenges with guerrilla bomb attacks and the assassination of a conservative candidate, highlighting the difficulty of uniting the divided country.
Protests erupted in major cities; in Cali, demonstrators burned American flags and clashed with police using steel bars while tear gas was deployed. Similar unrest unfolded in Bogota, where tires were set ablaze and bricks were thrown at law enforcement.
“We’ve already had many years of right-wing governments that care only about making the rich richer,” said Natalia, a 26-year-old student.
Nevertheless, De la Espriella supporters celebrated across the streets in multiple cities, wearing the national football jersey, waving flags, and expressing hope that “The Tiger,” their nickname for him, would enhance security.
In Barranquilla, Daniela Oliveros stated, “I’m very happy. I believe a lot in the country, I believe a lot in freedom.” She felt De la Espriella offered security, employment, and dignity.
Addressing critics, De la Espriella aimed to reassure, promising a democratic government for all races, religions, and political views. He vowed to govern for all Colombians, regardless of their vote, marking a right-wing return to power likely to test Colombia’s peace initiatives.
During the election campaign, De la Espriella revealed plans to cancel peace talks with dissident groups and initiate a U.S.-supported airstrike campaign. Despite peace efforts with FARC guerrillas, Colombia grapples with cartel-controlled areas and high cocaine exports, contributing to its economic disparities.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed optimism, stating that Colombia’s “best days are ahead,” and anticipated working closely with De la Espriella’s administration.
Meanwhile, his opponent, Cepeda, refrained from conceding the election, awaiting final results and verification. For a victory, Cepeda would require hundreds of thousands of votes to be overturned; historically, recounts in Colombia have never changed presidential election outcomes.
De la Espriella cautioned Cepeda against inciting violence, encouraging him to form an opposition but warned, “The Tiger can still bite you harder than he has bitten you at the ballot box.”