‘Institutional threat’: election of far-right leader raises fears for democracy in Colombia (opens original article in a new tab)

Colombia's far-right lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella was elected president after a narrow victory, sparking concerns about threats to democracy due to his harsh rhetoric and policies.

• Colombian evangelical pastor's lawyer, Abelardo de la Espriella, elected president after narrow victory over leftwing senator Iván Cepeda.
• De la Espriella's campaign promises include using lethal force against protesters, killing criminals, and withdrawing from the inter-American human rights system, raising concerns about threats to democracy.
• His election follows a far-right wave in Latin America, with inspiration from leaders like Donald Trump and Nayib Bukele, and includes controversial plans for 90 executive decrees on his first day in office.