The far right takes flight in Colombia under Abelardo de la Espriella

Abelardo de la Espriella is emerging as a far-right outsider candidate ahead of Colombia’s May 31 election. His campaign uses epic rhetoric to present himself as the best option to defeat the left, framing Colombia as a “miracle homeland” centered on traditional values, economic priorities, and security. The message resonates in a society affected by violence, where many view him as a necessary change. The rise is linked to weakness in more traditional parties that fail to address major problems. Criticism of President Gustavo Petro’s government on security, health care, and the economy has increased rejection. The political center is narrow and lacks strong candidates, while confidence in liberal democratic systems is declining, enabling alternatives that prioritize violence reduction over human rights.

"The global far right, which has achieved major milestones in recent years by seizing power in countries such as Argentina and Chile, is now watching closely the elections Colombia will hold on May 31. Abelardo de la Espriella, a lawyer making his political debut as an outsider, has emerged as the country's extremist figure, invoking epic rhetoric to position himself as the ideal candidate to defeat the left."

"His campaign has focused on defending a miracle homeland, a country of traditional values with the economy and security at its core, where the left or communism, as he calls itand moderate parties play no leading role. His message has resonated in a society battered by violence, where many see the self-styled Tiger as a necessary change."

"This type of political offer arises from a weakness in the more traditional parties, which are not providing answers to society's problems, explains Franco Delle Donne, author of the 2025 Epidemia ultra [Epidemic of the Far Right]. The left retains its electoral strength, but widespread criticism of President Gustavo Petro's government over issues such as security, health care and the economy has generated stronger rejection than ever."

"At the same time, the space in the political center is increasingly narrow and lacks strong candidacies. When one tool doesn't work, you have to use another one. That's the idea that the radical right is selling us, says the Argentine expert. That failing tool is the liberal system, which is suffering a crisis of confidence in the world's leading democracies. That is why alternatives to democratic rhetoric are now being offered."

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