De la Espriella sworn in before Congress in Cali, delivers first speech to the military

Abelardo de la Espriella assumed the presidency of Colombia on Friday, marking a historic occasion as he was sworn in outside the capital city of Bogotá. His inauguration took place at the Santiago de Cali University Arena, a venue capable of accommodating over 2,500 attendees. Following the oath-taking ceremony, he delivered his inaugural address at the nearby Pichincha Battalion, a decision diverging from the country's established tradition.

In his speech, De la Espriella vowed to restore order, authority, and freedom to Colombia. He declared himself president of all Colombians, expressed gratitude to Jesus Christ for guiding the nation through its turbulent past, and criticized totalitarian Bolivarian models as threats to democracy. He outlined his legislative agenda, which included tax reform to curb evasion, elimination of the wealth tax, publication of a list of narco-terrorist organizations, eradication of coca crops, and financial inclusion for informal workers.

Additionally, he promised actions against criminal structures and promised measures on health, education, and energy sectors.

De la Espriella, a 47-year-old criminal defense attorney with no prior public office experience, clinched the June 21 runoff election by a mere 250,830 votes, the smallest margin in a Colombian runoff in 32 years. No sitting foreign leaders, apart from King Felipe VI of Spain and the presidents of Argentina, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Panama, attended the inauguration ceremony. The event was attended by over 11,000 security personnel, and Kfir jets escorted the new president during his speech.