Nationalist lawyer Abelardo De La Espriella has been elected as Colombia’s new president, marking a significant political shift in the country. Initial vote counts released on Sunday showed that the right-wing leader secured victory in the presidential runoff, bringing a hardline security agenda and pro-business economic policies to the forefront of Colombian politics.

Known as “The Tiger” among his supporters, De La Espriella built his campaign around promises to revive Colombia’s struggling economy and tackle growing security concerns. He presented himself as an outsider capable of restoring order in a country facing challenges from illegal armed groups and drug trafficking networks.

The 47-year-old lawyer gained momentum earlier this year through his tough stance on crime and public security. He first emerged as a leading candidate during the first round of voting in late May, winning 43.7% of the vote. In the runoff election, he narrowly defeated leftist senator Ivan Cepeda. According to figures released by Colombia’s national registrar, De La Espriella received 49.66% of the vote, while Cepeda secured 48.7%.

Throughout the campaign, De La Espriella blamed outgoing President Gustavo Petro for the country’s economic difficulties and worsening security situation. He attracted voters with promises to reduce the size of the state by 40%, expand the tax base and abandon ongoing peace negotiations with armed groups. Instead, he has proposed a stronger military response to combat violence and organised crime.

His economic plans also include restarting oil exploration and permitting fracking operations. He believes these measures could nearly double Colombia’s oil production to 1.3 million barrels per day.

De La Espriella has repeatedly stated that he financed his campaign using his own resources. He also claims that his political movement, called “Defenders of the Homeland,” grew independently without support from established political parties or business interests. Reuters, however, said it could not independently verify those claims.

Outside politics, De La Espriella is known for his business ventures. His holdings include interests in wine, rum, clothing and real estate. However, investigative journalism outlet La Silla Vacia reported that many of these businesses have either been dissolved, accumulated debt or recorded losses during 2024. According to the report, his law firm remained his most profitable business.

La Silla Vacia also stated that De La Espriella’s campaign declined to answer questions regarding his companies. The candidate later challenged the outlet’s funding sources through a public letter. The publication rejected accusations of bias.

One of the most recognisable aspects of De La Espriella’s campaign was his use of a military salute, despite never having served in the armed forces. His public image, which often includes luxury watches, designer sunglasses and a carefully groomed beard, has led many observers to compare him with El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele.

Bukele is known for describing himself as the “world’s coolest dictator.” His administration introduced aggressive security measures and built large prisons to crack down on gang violence. These policies helped reduce crime rates in El Salvador to some of the lowest levels in Central America. However, human rights organisations have criticised his government after more than 90,000 people were detained under those measures.

Although De La Espriella rejects comparisons to Bukele, he has proposed constructing 10 mega-prisons across Colombia as part of his security strategy.

The president-elect has also faced scrutiny over some of his past legal clients. He previously represented Alex Saab, who faces money laundering charges in the United States linked to former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. In addition, he has provided legal services to individuals connected to corruption investigations, financial embezzlement cases and right-wing paramilitary groups.

De La Espriella has defended his record by arguing that his role as a lawyer should not be interpreted as support for the actions of his clients. He maintains that his professional work does not imply involvement in any criminal activity.

Born in the Caribbean city of Monteria, De La Espriella is a married father of four. Beyond law and politics, he is also known for performing vallenato, a traditional folk music genre popular in Colombia’s Caribbean region. He holds citizenship in Colombia, the United States and Italy.

Following his election victory, De La Espriella is scheduled to take office as Colombia’s president on August 7. His presidency is expected to usher in a new political direction, with a focus on stronger security measures, economic reforms and a reduced role for the state.