Colombia's New President Vows Crackdown on Crime and Fiscal Discipline

Abelardo De La Espriella was sworn in as Colombia's president on Friday, immediately setting an aggressive tone on security and economic policy. In his inaugural address, the 48-year-old right-wing leader promised a vigorous fight against drug trafficking and announced plans for fiscal austerity to restore confidence in the nation's economy.

Speaking at a military base in Cali after the formal ceremony, De La Espriella delivered a clear ultimatum to criminal organizations. He stated that members of gangs and narco-terrorist groups must submit to the rule of law or face the full force of the state's security apparatus. He declared that the option of peace talks with armed groups was completely exhausted.

The new president, who has never held elected office, won June's runoff election on a platform of shrinking the state by up to 40% and revitalizing the oil and gas sector. A lawyer by trade, he has previously represented well-known right-wing paramilitaries and is considered an ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump.

De La Espriella announced that one of his first acts would be to join the Shield of the Americas program founded by Trump. He also pledged to eradicate illicit crops, including through the aerial spraying of herbicides he claims are safe for human health and the environment.

On the economic front, the president promised to freeze public spending and pursue a tax reform aimed at simplifying the payment system to boost investment and employment. He assured business leaders of all sizes that his government would be a partner in making Colombia a safe and profitable destination for investment, while vowing to preserve popular social programs.