‘Institutional threat’: election of far-right leader raises fears for democracy in Colombia
Trump-admiring Abelardo de la Espriella has vowed to ‘disembowel’ the left and kill criminals like ‘rats and cockroaches’

TL;DR
- Abelardo de la Espriella, a far-right millionaire lawyer, has been elected president of Colombia.
- His past includes defending paramilitary leaders and a pastor accused of sexual abuse, and he has used derogatory language against victims.
- De la Espriella, who admires Donald Trump and Nayib Bukele, has promised to 'disembowel' the left and treat criminals harshly.
- Concerns have been raised about his potential impact on Colombian democracy, civil rights, and human rights protections.
- His platform includes drastic state downsizing, increased use of lethal force, building mega-prisons, and supporting fossil fuel extraction.
- Critics worry his proposed policies, including extensive use of executive decrees, could erode rights and potentially destabilize the country.