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Abelardo Gabriel de la Espriella Otero (born ) is a Colombian lawyer, businessman and politician. He is the president-elect of Colombia, set to assume office on August 7, 2026. He founded the political movement Defensores de la Patria in 2024 and successfully ran for the presidency under that banner in the 2026 Colombian presidential election.
De la Espriella's rise to the presidency represents a significant shift in Colombian politics, coming from a background in law and business rather than traditional political circles. His campaign resonated with voters seeking a tough-on-crime approach and a return to traditional values.
Early life and education
Abelardo Gabriel de la Espriella Otero was born on July 31, 1978, in Bogotá, Colombia. He pursued higher education at the Universidad del Rosario, one of Colombia's most prestigious universities, where he earned a degree in Law.
After completing his legal education, De la Espriella built a successful career in the private sector, working as a lawyer and businessman before entering politics. His experience in the legal and business worlds would later inform his political platform and governance approach.
Career
Legal and Business Career
Before entering politics, De la Espriella built a substantial career as a lawyer and entrepreneur. He specialized in corporate law and business consulting, developing expertise in commercial legislation, contract law, and business strategy. His legal practice served a diverse clientele across multiple sectors of the Colombian economy.
As a businessman, he was involved in various entrepreneurial ventures, gaining firsthand experience with the challenges and opportunities of doing business in Colombia. This private sector background would become a cornerstone of his political identity, allowing him to position himself as an outsider to the traditional political establishment.
Political Career
De la Espriella entered politics by founding the Defensores de la Patria (Defenders of the Homeland) political movement in 2024. The movement positioned itself as a defender of traditional Colombian values, national security, and free market principles.
In 2026, he registered as a presidential candidate through a Significant Group of Citizens (G.S.C.), using the same name as his movement. His campaign quickly gained traction among voters disillusioned with traditional political parties and seeking a more assertive approach to public security.
Presidential Campaign 2026
De la Espriella's presidential campaign was built around a platform of "law and order," promising to restore security through a "mano dura" (iron fist) approach to crime. He advocated for strengthening police and military capabilities, harsher sentences for criminals, and a zero-tolerance policy toward organized crime and guerrilla groups.
On economic matters, he campaigned on a platform of free market reform, promising to reduce the size of the state, cut public spending, lower taxes, and protect private property rights. He positioned himself as a pro-business candidate who would create conditions for economic growth and job creation.
Socially, De la Espriella embraced conservative positions, defending the traditional family structure and opposing progressive social policies. His message resonated with a significant portion of the Colombian electorate, leading to his victory in the 2026 presidential election.
Political Positions
De la Espriella is considered a right-wing populist. His key policy positions include:
- Security: "Mano dura" (iron fist) approach to crime, strengthening military and police, zero tolerance for organized crime
- Economy: Free market policies, reduction of state size, decreased public spending, tax reduction, protection of private property
- Social: Defense of traditional family values, conservative social positions
- Government: Anti-corruption measures, reduction of bureaucracy, efficiency in public administration
Recognition
De la Espriella's victory in the 2026 Colombian presidential election marked a historic moment in Colombian politics. As president-elect, he has been recognized both nationally and internationally as a transformative figure in Colombian democracy.
- President-elect of Colombia (2026)
- Founder of Defensores de la Patria political movement
- Recognized as a leading voice for conservative and free market policies in Colombia