Who is Abelardo de la Espriella, the far‑right Trump fan who could lead Colombia?

Abelardo de la Espriella, a far-right defense attorney and businessman, emerged as the frontrunner in Colombia’s presidential election's first round, emphasizing a hardline stance against leftist groups and armed factions. His strong admiration for US President Donald Trump and El Salvador’s authoritarian leader Nayib Bukele underscores his commitment to strict law enforcement policies. This outcome signals a potential shift towards right-wing governance in Colombia, which could have significant implications for the country’s political landscape and its approach to internal conflict.